Residents of Vuwani in Limpopo, who boycotted voting in municipal elections in 2016 over demarcation issues, have overwhelmingly voted for the ANC according to the latest results.
On Wednesday some residents in the area, which has about three wards, said damaged roads and lack of water drove them to partaking in this elections after a 10-year boycott of polls.
Vuwani residents embarked on a violent protest and later refused government services in protest against the Municipal Demarcation Board's decision to incorporate them into Collins Chabane local municipality in 2016. Residents wanted to remain under Makhado local municipality in Makhado.
Early results from two wards in the area showed that the ANC was in the lead with over 76% of votes, followed by independent candidates with 11% in ward 11. In ward 10, also covering parts of Vuwani, the ANC was leading with 90% of votes, while the EFF came second with 3.9%.
Vuwani resident Joseph Mufeba told Sowetan that their protracted protest, which left destruction of at least 30 schools, delayed provision of basic services which is why they have now voted for the ANC.
“The then tarred road going to Vuwani townships is now turned into gravel and potholes are everywhere. I realised that it doesn't matter which municipality we are under, as long as we get basic services,” he said.
Mufeba said for the past five years residents struggled as they travelled to Malamulele township were they would get other services such as vehicle renewal licenses and identity documents.
“We are tired and the protest is not worth it compared to what we went through. If we give Collin Chabane council a chance I'm sure services will come,” he said.
When Sowetan visited the area, we found road constructions under way in Vyeboom and Vuwani township. Contractors were also seen on site installing a water pipe in the area.
A Vyeboom resident, who asked to be identified only as Mr Ramabulana, said a week would go by without water-tankers delivering water in the area.
“We didn't have anyone to blame because we rejected the municipality and its councillors. We have learnt our lessons because services have deteriorated,” he said.
“Because of the protest, investors ran way because nobody wants to operate a business where government is not allowed. We want businesses to come here and create jobs for us.”
He said he voted for the ANC and wanted to give the ruling party a chance to bring services.
Pro-Makhado Demarcation Task Team chairperson Calvin Tshidumo said community members took a decision to partake in the local government elections this time.
“We had to compromise our demands to allow services to come through. But the struggle to return back to Makhado remains on point and we are not backing down,” he said.
The Vuwani area comprises villages such as Masakhona, Ha-Masia, Tshipupfe, Ha-Mashao and Ekurhuleni.
A resident of Ha-Masia said she exercised her right and voted for the ANC.
“ANC people came during their campaign and told us that they will bring water from Nandoni Dam and tarred roads. We have not had those things because of the protest and they promised jobs,” she said.
In 2016 only 10% of people in the area voted.
