Sicelo calm as residents vote for change

Sicelo informal settlement, which has seen a spate of violent service delivery protests recently, remained peaceful as residents cast their votes.

Johannesburg - It was calm in Sicelo informal settlement on Wednesday as residents braced the freezing weather clad in gowns and blankets to vote.

The area has been rife with violent service delivery protests with residents calling for an end to the DA's leadership in Midvaal and some calling the ANC to take over.

The Star's first stop was Sicelo Community Hall where a long line of residents were waiting as the voting station opened at 7am.

One resident who only identified himself as Elfie said that people wanted a lot of change in the area. “It's dirty and we don't have proper service.

“There haven't been many changes here since 1994 and it's hard to bring up a family in these conditions,” he said.

Voting at the station moved smoothly as more people joined the ever growing queue.

Political parties canvased outside the station with tables and chairs set up as representatives spoke with incoming voters. Cars clad in political party signs and colours were also driving around the area.

Dressed in a long pink, fluffy gown and wearing her slippers, 21-year-old Blessing Motsai said this was her first time voting. “I'm really excited and happy. I feel great but I want to see change, we need jobs here.

However the voting station next to extensions four and five of Sicelo only saw a trickle of voters coming through by the late morning. There was also a heavy police and traffic police presence around the voting tent area.

Many of the residents who had taken to the streets two weeks ago came from this area and at the time had vowed not to vote.

Most of the voters coming through were elderly residents and born frees.Wrapped tightly in a blanket holding her small child, 24-year-old Carolyn Maselwa (corr) said it was very important that people vote. “If things want to get better, if we're going to build houses for the community and get water or electricity we must vote.”

Smoking a pipe and wearing a fedora hat, 76-year-old, Baba Joe shouted happily those around him: “We may be angry but we must vote!”One resident who asked to stay anonymous said he wasn't going to vote. “Vote for what? We have big problems here and we vote and we vote and nothing happens.

“There's no point at all,” he said waving his hand angrily.

ilanit.chernick@inl.co.za

@Lanc_02

The Star