KNYSNA ELECTION NEWS - With the upcoming elections on the horizon on 4 November, Knysna-Plett Herald took to the streets to ask potential voters whether they intend to cast their ballots and why.

For some, voting is an important opportunity to make their voices heard and influence the future of their communities. Others may question whether their vote will make a difference, particularly amid ongoing challenges such as service delivery, unemployment and public trust in political leaders.

So, will residents make their mark at the ballot box, or are some choosing to sit this election out?

We spoke to potential voters to hear their views, expectations and reasons for either choosing to vote or staying away from the polls. Here is what they had to say:

Qalisa Roqo:

“I will be voting because I want my voice to be heard and to participate in decisions that affect my community and my future. I believe voting gives me an opportunity to choose leaders who are accountable, address the needs of the people and work towards a better future for everyone.”

Lungiswa Dinge:

“I’m not going to vote, because there is no real change in South Africa. Small improvements are made, but when you look at the amount of money involved, the results do not reflect the spending. There is still very little visible change. Cabinet ministers need to visit our towns themselves and check whether the projects and promises they have implemented are actually being carried out properly.”

Margaret Mveni:

“I’m going to vote, because I’ve been living in this shack for 34 years, and it is wet here all the time. I’m old and I have never even received an RDP house after years on the waiting list. There has been no improvement in service delivery in my area. My whole family is also going to vote to see if a new regime can bring change at long last.”

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’