Voters in northern Durban turn out despite service anger
Ongoing: Elections Hot
Voting in the 2026 Local Government Elections began at 7am on Wednesday and closes at 9pm. Voters in Inanda, Verulam and Ntuzuma said poor services frustrate them, but they still came to vote.
Voters in northern Durban said they lack water and electricity and face roads damaged by potholes. Hlengiwe Ndimande, 50, from Congo in Inanda, arrived at her voting station at 5:40am. She said the process was smooth and that Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) officials did a great job.
Ndimande said she had planned not to vote. She changed her mind when she realised that many people stay away because they are angry about poor services. Zandile Nyuswa, 58, voted at Hazelmeer near Verulam. She said not voting was not an option, because nothing changes if she stays home.
Nomusa Nhlengethwa, 81, from Ntuzuma, has voted in every election since 1994. She said she is satisfied with the progress on services in her area.
Young voters in other areas gave similar reasons. Nicole Mageza, 25, a first-time voter from Kempton Park, said she wants to be part of a group that makes a difference. Tumelo Chiloane said the municipality must improve services and create jobs, because the townships have none. Nikiwe Ndawonde, a first-time voter from Kimberley, said things are bad in Galeshewe and she wants democratic change.
Key facts
- Who
- Nicole Mageza (25-year-old first-time voter from Kempton Park); Nikiwe Ndawonde (first-time voter from Kimberley); Angelique Abrahams (voter); Tumelo Chiloane (young voter)
- What
- SAnews features young voters on Election Day of the 2026 Local Government Elections, including 25-year-old first-time voter Nicole Mageza, who says she wants to be part of a collective that makes a difference. Other young voters describe hopes for service delivery and job creation. Voting stations opened at 7am and close at 9pm.
- When
- 4 November 2026
- Where
- Kempton Park, Kimberley, Galeshewe
- Status
- Reported