Mabopane, Soshanguve communities’ frustrations ahead of elections

As South Africa prepares for the 2026 local government elections, many residents in Mabopane and Soshanguve feel disheartened by repeated election promises that never materialize. For years, they have complained about their local councillors ignoring their concerns, leaving them to deal with ongoing problems. Among their grievances are the frequent power cuts orchestrated by Eskom, which they believe unfairly target poorer communities.

These load reductions, meant to prevent grid overloads, have reportedly contributed to increased crime rates in the area.

Earlier this year, several communities staged protests against the power outages, blockading roads with burning tires and rocks. The residents argue that Eskom's actions are unfair, pointing out the disparity between urban and rural areas. In Mabopane and Soshanguve, residents suffer from potholes, water shortages, and sewage issues that persist despite repeated complaints.

The residents of Mabopane and Soshanguve have grown weary of the cycle of broken promises and poor service delivery. They vow to vote for change in the upcoming elections, hoping that a new party will bring the necessary reforms. They express frustration over the continuous road potholes, water cuts, and sewage leaks, which they claim remain unresolved.

Residents have accused councilors of being oblivious to their problems and have called for accountability. The ongoing sewage spills have also taken a toll on their health, exacerbating existing conditions like tuberculosis. They argue that the money meant for repairing water infrastructure is instead funneled into tanker contracts, leaving future generations with unreliable systems and diminishing public resources.

The Auditor-General has warned that relying on tankers for water delivery can be significantly more expensive than traditional piped supply, straining already struggling municipal budgets.