Snl24 | Angry residents stop voting ekasi!

Cops had their hands full when residents closed down voting stations. Photo by Tumelo Mofokeng

THE Electoral Commission of South Africa held special elections across Mzansi on Monday, 27 May and they’ll continue on Tuesday, 28 May.

However, angry residents of Kanana near Sebokeng, Vaal stopped the special voting process at Tswelopele Daycare.

They said they’ve been without electricity for eight years and always get empty promises from government. So, they decided to close the voting station and will only allow people to vote if transformers are installed immediately.

Many elderly people among the group of young people also took part in the protest. 

Angry residents closed voting stations in demand of electricity. Photo by Tumelo Mofokeng

Gogo Mathabo Mokoenanyana (69) told Daily Sun she can’t store her diabetes medication, which should be stored in a cool place.

She said she paid the amount of money that Eskom demanded from her, but she’s still in the dark. “I will join these kids to fight for our rights, even if the police arrest us,” she said.

Themba Mgcina (38) said they decided to close all voting stations as no transformers have been installed in their township.

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Eskom spokesman Victor Ramagaga said the power utility has replaced a total of 137 transformers in the Vaal area to date, including Sebokeng, Orange Farm, Driezik and Stretford, which falls under Orange Farm.

He said Eskom has a significant backlog in the replacement of transformers given the high rate of failure of this critical network equipment and it has a process it follows to replace the failed infrastructure. 

Ramagaga said before replacement commences, their team of technicians and contractors need to conduct a network audit to determine the extent of the damage on the network and all required equipment and material for the network normalisation.

Residents said no one will vote until they get a transformer. Photo by Tumelo Mofokeng

“Once a determination has been finalised, the necessary material and equipment such as transformers, mini-substation, meters, cables, etc, are ordered and once received, the replacement work would then start.

“Given the sensitivity and technicality involved, the replacement work takes time to complete safely. With the community having reached the 60% threshold, our technicians promptly replaced the affected transformers and they’re scheduled to be energised on Tuesday, 28 May,” said Ramagaga.

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