BARBERTON, Mpumalanga — As the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Final Voter Registration weekend enters its final hours, residents in Barberton, Mpumalanga, are using the civic exercise to spotlight critical local challenges. While national registration numbers show steady progress, voters in this historic town emphasize that their participation is a direct call for accountability regarding ongoing service delivery failures, high unemployment, and crumbling infrastructure.
According to the IEC, approximately 238,000 voters registered on Saturday, with first-time voters making up 13.4% of the total. KwaZulu-Natal led the nation with 55,000 new registrations, followed by the Eastern Cape with 46,000, and Gauteng in third place with 41,000 voters.
In Mpumalanga, initial turnout appeared low at some voting stations, though officials noted that many residents plan to register after working hours. Out of 1,846 voter registration stations in the province, only three experienced delayed openings. In the Pixley ka Seme Local Municipality, a station in Mooibank was delayed after two IEC officials were involved in a motor vehicle accident and hospitalized; it opened later in the day. Additionally, two registration stations in eMalahleni faced delays due to community protests. One subsequently opened, while officials continued negotiations with protesters at the second location to ensure access.
In Barberton, a town once celebrated for its beauty but now facing perceived neglect since its amalgamation with the Mbombela Municipality, service delivery remains a flashpoint. Kaen, a resident of a local historically Colored community, highlighted the stark lack of development. Despite the town’s proximity to a major local company, residents are crying out for a skills development center to combat unemployment. Kaen also pointed to severely damaged roads that remain largely untouched by maintenance crews. She urged the community, especially the youth, to register in large numbers.
“It is a way of us actually voicing out our frustrations in terms of service delivery and other issues that we are currently facing,” Kaen stated, expressing hope that collective voting can eventually drive change and give the community a voice.
The sentiment of disillusionment was echoed by another resident of Barberton for 51 years. She noted that despite minor street repairs, fundamental development is absent. Her small community lacks a basic community hall, and residents are burdened by high rates and taxes alongside unreliable electricity and water services.
A critical issue recently exacerbated by illegal mining activities is water contamination, which forced the shutdown of a local reservoir. Henriette explained the severe impact this has on vulnerable residents: “Some of us have pensioners living with us. They have to go and buy water, but when you get to the shop, they tell you there is no water, or it has already finished. You take out your last pennies, and it is gone.”
The lack of opportunity has bred deep negativity, particularly among the youth. She shared the story of her 22-year-old son, who matriculated with distinctions. Despite his academic achievements, he was reportedly denied a recent police job application because, having studied in Barberton but originating from another area, he was not viewed as a true Barberton resident by the selectors.
“We are number 99 on anything that is happening on the list. There is nothing happening for us, and it makes us all negative,” Henriette explained.
As the registration weekend draws to a close, the message from Barberton is clear: while residents are deeply frustrated by being placed at the bottom of the priority list, many still view the ballot as their most powerful tool to demand accountability from the Mbombela municipality and secure a better, more developed future for their town.