In wheelchairs, with walkers and on crutches, Durban pensioners were optimistic about the future as they cast their special votes at the Zibambeleni Old Age Home in Claremont.
Speaking to TimesLIVE Premium, they said while they had enjoyed the fruits of democracy, political leaders had their work cut out for them if they wished to transform lives.
Muzi Ncwane, 73, said the decision to vote was largely informed by his dreams for the country to prosper.
“I am always of the view that maybe the leaders who ascend to power will listen and respond to my needs,” said Ncwane.
Originally from Dududu on the KZN south coast, the father of three had settled in Durban to find employment, which led to him working as a petrol attendant.
“We want land. I know we are always going to be wanting more as people. We are like young infants who cry whenever they need food. I am well aware that all of our needs will not be fulfilled in one go,” said Ncwane.
He kept his cards close to his chest on which political party or independent candidate won his vote this time.
“Maybe I will keep voting for the party that I always vote for,” said Ncwane.
Zibambeleni houses about 80 pensioners.
Siza Ntombela, 68, from Sobantu township, said like Ncwane she had never forgone the opportunity to vote.
“We need to ensure the country moves in the right direction. There has been progress, but it has moved at a snail's pace,” said the former domestic worker.
Hambeline Nqayi, 91, from Hopewell township on the outskirts of Pietermaritzburg, said though she was in her twilight years, her decision to vote was informed by wanting to see change.
I want a house built for myself and obviously more land. I still have what it takes to pursue farming.
— Zephaniah Mvelase, pensioner
“I am just hoping that whoever is going to win these elections will stay true to the promises. The leaders who are elected should be on call,” said Nqayi.
She settled at the facility after having spent a lifetime working on farms in Natal Midlands.
“I came here because of the conflict in my family after the death of one of my children. I have been unwell for some time now,” said Nqayi.
Also upbeat about voting is Zephaniah Mvelase. He said he had pledged his allegiance with the MK Party as he had followed former president Jacob Zuma for some time.
“I want a house built for myself and obviously more land. I still have what it takes to pursue farming,” said the pensioner.
Provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi announced last week that more than 17,000 police officers would be deployedto monitor polling stations.
Social worker Ntombi Mbewu said while the polling had gone without a glitch, she hoped the IEC and political leaders would take a leading role in the future.
“This morning we were faced with the challenges of the elderly battling to decide on where their vote will go. Some were demanding to vote for parties which are not on the ballot,” said Mbewu.
Some were intentional on which parties to vote for. Despite this some would go into a cubicle and battle to vote, she said.
“I am anticipating the difficulties because some of the elderly have dementia. At the same same time I cannot prevent someone from voting,” Mbewu said.
Some pensioners who had hoped to vote were not on the voters' roll.
“It's always going to be very difficult trying to explain to an an elderly person who was dead set on doing something [they cannot do], “ said Mbewu.
“Part of the problem is that we receive the elderly from different parts of the province," she said, explaining why some were not eligible to vote in that particular area.
While she was encouraged by the support from the IEC she expressed concern that more than 10 people could not vote as they were not registered.
She said in future plans would have to be made to enhance their interactions with the IEC.
In Hammarsdale, Matrina Ntombifikile Mhlophe, 65, was all smiles as she cast her votes in the comfort of her four-room house.
The area, under ward 20 in the eThekwini municipality, is an ANC stronghold.
“I am very happy I have voted. This is my third time voting,” said Mhlophe.
She pinned her hopes on her votes opening opportunities for her five grandchildren with whom she lives.
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