By Everson Luhangar
Residents of Diepsloot, the Gauteng township hit by violent crime and a series of disruptive protests, had a chance to make their voices heard on Wednesday – not with rocks and burning tyres as before, but through the ballot box.
Thousands of residents queued at several voting stations in the large township.
Lawrence Ndlovu said he was exercising his constitutional rights by voting.
“I participated in many anti-crime marches over the past two years,” he said. “It never changed anything. We are still dying at the hands of criminals, and nothing is done. I just hope things will be different after these elections.”
Gogo Martha Ngobeni, who went to her voting station with a walking stick, said she would vote for a safer and crime-free Diepsloot.
“As old people, we are hard hit by crime,” she said.
Like in many other townships on election day, local businesses did the best, with boosted sales of fruits and other food items.
Community leader Lefa Nkala, one of the leaders who organised anti-crime marches in the township and was arrested as a ringleader earlier this year, urged people to come out in numbers and vote.
“It is important for every citizen of Diepsloot to vote and vote wisely,” said Nkala.
A police helicopter hovered over the township.
But voting was peaceful, and no incidents had been reported by early afternoon.
Pictured above: Residents of Diepsloot came out in numbers to vote.
Image source: Everson Luhanga
