Elmon Tshikhudo
In the 2016 local government elections, Vuwani in Limpopo was ripped apart by violent protests.
Residents who were against the incorporation of their area in the proposed new municipality that included areas of Malamulele, protested, leaving nearly 30 schools razed to the ground and disrupting day to day life.
The area of Vyeboom became a no-go area and angry residents did not vote as schools which were supposed to be voting stations had been burnt down.
Only 1,500 registered voters out of 40,000 managed to cast their votes.
This year the situation is totally different, with residents ready and eager to cast their votes.
As early as 5am community members, especially the elderly were already at the voting stations.
Gogo Musandiwa Mudau of Vyeboom who voted at Khavhatondwi Primary school said she arrived early to be among the first to cast her vote.
“It is hot in this area and I do not want to find myself in a compromising situation where I will have to queue in the hot sun. I missed voting in 2016,” she said.
Mashudu Makatu said voting was very important.
“I am here to determine the future of my area. In 2016 we did not vote and the past five years were hell,” Makatu said.
“There was absolutely no service in our area and we regretted not voting. We are very excited to be voting again,” Makatu said.
Community leader Arnard Mulaudzi who was very vocal during the 2016 protests said they reached a consensus with the provincial government last year.
“We have spoken to our people and encouraged them to vote while we wait for the new demarcation consultation window to be opened soon after the elections,” he said.
