For the first time since 1994, residents of Eerstelst in Tshwane province, Gauteng, voted for different political parties.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has held a majority of votes in the region since 1994, but the Patriotic Alliance (PA) made a big advance, winning the majority of votes.
Veronica Marian, PA, explains:
“This is a welcome change, a good change. The people have finally realised that this cannot continue. 90% of the people voted for the PA. Finally the people have decided that enough is enough and for 35 years we have been held captive by the DA but as soon as the counting is over and the work begins we will see and hope that we will see a noticeable change because in fact the work for 2026 begins the day after the vote. Today I want to emphasise to the young people, you are the future leaders of our country so make sure your voice counts.”
Locals in Eerstelst say they want better opportunities, especially for young people.
“Well, you can see how messy this place is. Nobody cleans it. The municipality is here but we don't see them cleaning it.”
“Well, if you don't provide it, you don't get help. That's what's happening. People are aware of what's going on. And they lie to people about providing services and creating jobs. There are a lot of kids around here who don't work. What do they turn to? Drugs, theft, burglary. It's common in this area.”
