Violence of July 2021 unrest top of mind for some Phoenix residents as they cast their votes
Phoenix was one of the hardest hit areas, with 36 people losing their lives there. The area was gripped by unmatched levels of violence during the unrest.
DURBAN - Almost three years after the infamous July 2021 unrest, the memories of the unprecedented violence it brought with it remain front of mind for residents of Phoenix, north of Durban, as they head to the polls.
Phoenix was one of the hardest hit areas, with 36 people losing their lives there.
The area was gripped by unmatched levels of violence during the unrest.
Vinolyn Kaaniah said the unrest was something he had considered before making his mark.
"We have kids. My kids are small - the kids are 2 and 3, so the first thing you think about is your family. We had to do what we had to do and that is to protect ourselves but we don't want it to come to that again. We want to be able to leave our houses and go out and think we're safe. So, I hope this election does that for us."
Kaaniah’s wife echoed his sentiments as did another mother we spoke to, Marlene Roshan, who said that over and above all the other issues facing the country, unemployment was a major factor she took into account when casting her vote.