“Concerns raised at VUT FM’s Bophelong debate highlight residents’ expectations for service delivery and political accountability beyond election day.”
05 November 2026 | Story by: Ntebogeleng Digasu | Picture: Peter Masela
4 minutes read time.
The campaigning has ended, but the concerns residents raised at VUT FM’s Bophelong election debate extend beyond voting day. Water shortages, electricity interruptions, deteriorating roads and unemployment brought the discussion back to a pressing question: what will political commitments mean for everyday life?
Residents’ comments highlighted frustration with political promises and a desire for tangible improvements, from reliable water and electricity to cleaner neighbourhoods and employment opportunities.
The demand for tangible improvements was evident at Bophelong Hall on 28 October 2026, when more than 100 residents attended the final election debate hosted by Vaal University of Technology (VUT) community radio station VUT FM 96.9.
Although held before the elections, the engagement captured concerns that remain central to the relationship between communities and local government. Residents wanted answers about essential services, employment opportunities and whether political representatives could be held accountable for their commitments.
For Mr Ntala Remohloki, the discussion offered little reassurance. He expressed frustration with repeated promises and the persistence of problems affecting his community.
“I am not pleased with these debates because there is nothing new here. Everyone is looking out for their own pockets. They are selling us lies so that they can secure the bag for their children and future, while we are left living in the dark, surrounded by dirt and without service delivery,” said Mr Remohloki.
His remarks exposed the distrust political representatives face when asking communities for their support. They also highlighted why opportunities for direct questioning matter, particularly for residents who feel their concerns have gone unanswered.
Led by Mr Montecristo Xaba and Mr Sebapadi Sello, the programme brought residents into discussion with representatives from the Sedibeng Emfuleni Residents Association (SERA), Active Citizens of South Africa (ACSA), Democratic Alliance (DA), uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party), ActionSA, South African Communist Party (SACP) and African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP).
VUT FM newsreader Mr Tshepo Maqeba posed questions about youth unemployment, housing, immigration management, child protection and public safety. He also highlighted the importance of involving young people in decisions affecting their lives and future opportunities.
Residents raised concerns about deteriorating roads, water shortages, sanitation, sewer infrastructure, pump stations and electricity interruptions. Informal settlements, abandoned buildings, illegal dumping and the condition of public facilities also featured in the discussions.
Political representatives outlined proposals to improve governance, municipal financial management and public participation. Their economic development proposals included
supporting small businesses, encouraging local procurement and expanding skills development and employment opportunities for young people, women and people with disabilities.
Mrs Matshepo Sefate welcomed the opportunity to question political representatives, although she remained sceptical about their commitments.
“We are happy with what VUT FM did by bringing these candidates to us to explain themselves, so that we can see their lies and what they are capable of doing, because they are not trusted at all,” she said.
She also called for greater accountability, expressing concern that people were not consistently held responsible for their decisions.
Together, the residents’ responses revealed both appreciation for the platform and frustration with the political process. Being heard mattered, but their comments made clear that engagement needed to lead to visible improvements.
For VUT FM, the debate demonstrated the role community radio can play in bringing local concerns into public discussion. It gave residents space to ask questions, challenge proposals and explain how service delivery failures affect their daily lives.
The engagement also offers a starting point for further reporting: examining the commitments made, seeking responses from those responsible and returning to residents to assess their experiences.
The debate concluded VUT FM’s election series. The issues raised, however, remain a measure against which residents can assess those entrusted with public office. In Bophelong, expectations are rooted in practical needs: water that flows, sanitation that functions, reliable electricity and opportunities to build a better future.