Mabopane, Soshanguve communities’ frustrations ahead of elections

As South Africa heads towards the 2026 local government elections , promises to address service delivery are once again expected to dominate the campaign trail.

But for many residents in Mabopane and Soshanguve, election promises have become all too familiar.

They say all previous councillors have failed to deliver on the promises made before the elections.

Residents accuse both past and present local councillors of ignoring their concerns and leaving their communities to grapple with ongoing challenges.

Among their frustrations is Eskom’s load reduction, which residents believe unfairly targets and discriminates against poorer communities.

Load reduction is Eskom’s way of reducing the electricity supply to specific areas to prevent overloading the grid.

Voting for change Residents say they will be voting for change as they believe the new party will bring the much-needed change.

They add that constant load reduction contribute to high level of levels crime in the area.

Earlier this year, many Mabopane and Soshanguve communities protested against the power cuts, blockading roads with burning tyres and rocks.

“They are cutting our electricity because we stay in black communities.

People who stay in the suburbs don’t experience this.

Look at our roads, look at our sewage … sometimes the sewage will be left overflowing for weeks or even months after we reported it.” Residents say potholes, water cuts and electricity challenges remain three of the biggest service delivery issues they’ve been grappling with over the years.

“When it’s raining, you can’t drive on these roads.

We are forced to use alternative routes.