Africa-Press – South-Africa. There was a sense of hope and jubilation in the air as hundreds gathered at the Naidoo Memorial School in Umkomaas, ward 99 in the eThekwini Metro, for a crucial by-election on Wednesday.
A throng of IFP and ANC supporters, the two front-running parties in the area, gathered outside the school, which is a voting station, singing struggle songs while encouraging locals to cast their votes.
A strong contingent of national leaders from the IFP gathered at the venue by midday with party leader Velenkosi Hlabisa, treasurer-general and whip Narend Singh and spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa all in attendance.
The ANC’s candidate, Mzwandile “Nontulo” Bhekingwe, was nowhere to be seen.
Ahead of the by-elections, the DA and IFP announced the former would encourage its constituency to cast their vote for IFP ward candidate Jane Naidoo, a move both parties said sought to oust the ANC from the ailing ward.
Naidoo said there was an excellent turnout of voters.
“The voting stations are consistently busy, which is a good thing because it shows interest from the community. I think that they want change, which is why they are coming out to vote.”
Use of state resources
Naidoo also bemoaned the launching of several programmes by the KwaZulu-Natal government and City of eThekwini in the last week.
She accused the ANC-led government of using state resources as a campaigning tool.
“It is absolutely sad that on the eve of elections that these government officials can exploit public resources. They are basically trying to feed off people in poverty.
“Why don’t they do these things during times outside of elections? What they are doing is disgusting.”
She said crippling water and electricity issues were plaguing the ward with load shedding hitting the community for eight to 10 hours a day.
“Our water pump stations are not working. We have one area, Gardenia Street, where residents have not had water for six days.”
Naidoo added there were little to no water tankers, with private interventions catering for the community.
“We have private initiatives, including Gift of the Givers. The lack of resources used here to help the ward is criminal.”
This includes a handover to a contractor on Monday by Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda of an Eskom Smart Meter project in Thoyana – a project that would take five months to complete, according to the mayor.
Human Settlements MEC Ntuthuko Mahlaba hosted a community imbizo on Monday in Amahlongwa and Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube led an integrated service delivery and social cohesion programme in Magabheni last Friday.
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