Electricity cuts had an impact on low voter turnout: Makhura

ANC Gauteng chairperson David Makhura says the electricity cuts had an impact on the low voter turnout.

Makhura says many areas across Gauteng including Soweto, Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, and the Vaal Rand experienced power outages during the election campaign period which might have impacted voter turnout.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) says the voter turnout in Gauteng was at 40%, down from 48% in the 2016 municipal elections.

Makhura spoke to the media at the IEC Provincial Results Operations Centre.

He says the provision of electricity will be prioritised in ANC-led municipalities.

“Regardless of who governs which municipality, the metros in Gauteng have to do much more on the energy side rather than just leave everything to Eskom. So what Johannesburg has been talking about it is something we would like the metros in Gauteng to do. Regardless of who governs those metros.”

SA not convinced by ANC’s renewal process

Makhura also said that South Africans are not convinced by the governing party’s renewal process. Makhura was speaking against the backdrop of the ANC’s poor performance at the local government elections which saw an all-time low voter turnout.

Gauteng metros, Tshwane, Ekhuruleni and Johannesburg will still have hung councils just like in 2016.

Makhura addresses the media: