‘It’s a betrayal’: Durban voters urged to participate in local elections

Local government elections in Durban yesterday saw calls for heightened voter participation, with some urging residents to "not betray" Nelson Mandela and the sacrifices he made for voting rights. James Groenewald, a voter from uMhlanga, Durban North, criticized those who did not cast their ballots, likening their inaction to a betrayal of the country's hard-fought freedom.

Concerns about voter apathy persisted, with contrasting scenes at voting stations in uMhlanga and Ntuzuma. At Atholton Primary School, nearly 500 individuals had voted by 10am, with hundreds still waiting outside, while at Gobhogobho Junior Primary School in Ntuzuma, the station remained largely empty. Party leaders echoed the concern for low turnout and urged residents to participate in the democratic process.

The DA councillor candidate, Groenewald, expressed hope for retaining the ward, praising the high turnout and the responsiveness of councillors. ActionSA leader Zwakele Mncwango, however, expressed concern over the minimal turnout at his voting station, warning of the potential for a minority government that could fail to address the community's needs.

He proposed several conditions for engaging in negotiations with other parties, including improved service delivery and stricter control over illegal immigration. IFP leader Thami Ntuli, who voted in Nkandla, emphasized the importance of local government elections in determining service delivery, warning that a failure to vote could result in a poorly chosen councillor.

DA leader Haniff Hoosen, voting at Durban City Hall, called for change, stating that Durban could become one of the most beautiful cities in the world with leaders who prioritize community interests.