KuGompo City, Eastern Cape — As the Buffalo City Metro prepares for the upcoming elections, special votes are officially underway in the Eastern Cape, with elderly residents leading the charge. At an old age home in the Sterling suburb of KuGompo City, senior citizens are casting their ballots and using their voices to urge younger generations to participate in the democratic process while demanding tangible improvements in local service delivery.
Buffalo City Metro remains one of only two metropolitan municipalities in the country governed by the African National Congress (ANC) without the need for a coalition government. The ANC secured an outright majority in the 2021 local government elections, winning 61 out of the 100 council seats. Now, the time has come for residents to make their mark on the ballots once again.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has designated the old age home as a registered voting site specifically for special votes. Residents, some as old as 100 years, expressed deep appreciation for the electoral body’s efforts to bring the voting station directly to them, making the process accessible, seamless, and efficient.
Speaking as spokespersons for the senior community, the elderly voters emphasized that exercising the right to vote is crucial, regardless of political affiliation.
One resident, described the voting process as quick and highly assisted. She directly addressed the growing issue of voter apathy, calling on the youth to recognize the value of their ballots and the history behind the democratic right. When asked about her expectations for the incoming council, she pointedly highlighted the infrastructure challenges in East London, stating she would be thrilled if the municipality simply fixed the local potholes. She also had a stern message for those who skip voting to enjoy a public holiday, labeling them as “very bad citizens.”
An 89-year-old resident, who joked about having participated in voting for a century, echoed the sentiment of gratitude for a smooth process. Her primary focus was on the urgent need for improved service delivery. She highlighted critical issues plaguing the community, including water shortages, vandalism, and uncontrolled looting.
“I think that it is time that people got themselves together and worked for the country,” the 89-year-old spokesperson urged, calling for collective responsibility and national progress. She expressed a sincere hope that everybody, especially the youth, will turn out to vote and guide the country’s future.
The overarching message from the senior citizens at the KuGompo City old age home is clear: voting is an effortless but vital responsibility. Having exercised their hard-won democratic rights, these elderly spokespersons are now passing the torch to the youth, hoping to see a higher voter turnout and a more responsive local government in the Buffalo City Metro.
