As the special vote for the 2026 Local Government Elections gets under way nationwide on Monday 2 and Tuesday 3 November, a number of people, including senior citizens, people with special needs and essential workers, are casting their votes.

City Vision visited one of the voting stations, Vukukhanye Primary School in Ward 39, Gugulethu, to check whether proceedings were running smoothly and to speak to eligible voters casting their ballots.

ALSO READ: Voters given unprecedented access to Election Day results

We need honest leaders

A veteran of the African National Congress (ANC) and its military wing, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), Sphetho Alfred Willie was among the well-known figures who voted at the station. The 92-year-old described the occasion as a special day not only for him, but for everyone who wants change in their communities. He said these elections focused mainly on service delivery.

He urged ward councillors to carry the mandate of the community instead of doing as they please.

“The problem is that our councillors are doing as they wish. They don’t listen to the community. They don’t even give feedback to society. Our leaders are looking after themselves. They are corrupt. We need people who are going to serve the people,” said Willie, adding that they need honest leaders.

The ANC will come back

Willie said it was sad to see a movement like the ANC, which had fought for this democracy, falling apart. He said people were no longer supporting it as they used to because of its performance.

“I joined the ANC in 1952 at a very young age. In 1961 I joined MK at that time it was difficult. But I still have hope that the ANC will return to its founding principles. I am appealing to the community to give the ANC another chance to fix its problems,” he concluded.

He added that he was pleased with the service at the voting station, saying he had received a warm welcome from officials.