#IMadeMyMark - Community leaders on elections

KNYSNA NEWS - In just a few weeks, the country will undergo arguably the most contested national elections to date. Knysna-Plett Herald spoke to a few community leaders and asked them what their expectations are with the upcoming national and provincial elections on 8 May.

For Knysna community police forum chair Cheryl Britz, the elections "is an opportunity for all to vote for what they believe in".

"My wish is that the community makes choices that reflect their hopes and dreams for a safer South Africa, and that they do this in a responsible, positive and peaceful way on the day," Britz said.

She said if she was president for a day she would lead by example. "And in order to achieve a safe and secure environment for all, I'd do everything possible to empower our justice system to help ensure that justice can prevail so that the fundamental human rights of our communities remain protected."

'Amendments to justice system'

Concordia community leader Nosakhe Yalezo said she hopes there could be amendments to the justice system, "As it stands, it is pathetic. I hope whoever is voted into power is flexible, gender sensitive and corruption free. I hope that political parties can learn to work together for the betterment of their community."

She said if she was president for a day she would ensure that the law protects sensitive victims.

Hornlee United's Ralph Stander refused to comment on anything related to the upcoming elections and said if he was president for a day his first task in office would be "putting behind bars all those thieves implicated in all these commissions making headlines". "Then also housing, education and job creation will be prioritised and there won't be any prepaid water meters in a poor areas," he said.

'A united South Africa'
For Marius Venter, one of Plettenberg Bay's community leaders, a united South Africa is what he is hoping for.

"I hope and pray for free and fair elections, for voters to think and vote for parties who can make South Africa a country of opportunity and economic growth, a country where all races can stand and work together, a country with low crime levels, a police and educational system that caters for a future for all," he said, adding, "I wish for one nation, one South Africa."

Despite the negativity in the country, he said, he is very optimistic about South Africa. "We are a nation on the brink of collapse, but only if the corrupt falls and parties can go into coalition with the same vision and integrity, can we see South Africa rise from the ashes. Corruption will kill us in the end if we don't deal with it in a very serious and harsh way."

'Vote for a positive future'
About his expectations for the outcome of the elections, Venter said the latest polls suggested that, on a national level, the ANC was sitting at 54.6% of the support, the DA at 21.8% and the EFF at 12.2%.

"I believe the figures will not be as high as predicted. There are so many new and upcoming parties that have shown good growth."

He added that while the national picture is enjoying more of the focus, he believes provincial results would most likely be startling. "My wish is that voters make sure they vote for a party that can secure a positive future."

New Horizons community leader Granville Neldritt said residents in his community have very low expectations for the upcoming elections. "The people of New Horizons feel forgotten, especially in terms of housing delivery," Neldritt said. The area has not received any housing over the past two decades, except a few units earmarked for the elderly.

He said many promises have been made over the years, even though different parties have been in power in Bitou over this period, but that nothing has come of it. "Some residents have indicated that, in an attempt to make their voices heard, they might not even head to the polls on 8 May."

Plettenberg Bay community leader Marius Venter.