As political parties scramble for votes in Polokwane by-election, some residents say they're tired of empty promises

JOHANNESBURG - As political parties make a final scramble to convince voters to support them in the Polokwane by-election, some residents say they are tired of empty promises. 

On Wednesday, residents of ward 13 in Polokwane cast their votes for a new councillor.

The position became vacant following the expulsion of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor, Mafiwa Leballo, for not attending council meetings.

Political parties have concentrated their efforts in the Juju Valley informal settlement, where the majority of voters in ward 13 live.

The ever-expanding settlement is built illegally on privately owned land.

African National Congress (ANC) Limpopo secretary, Reuben Madadzhe, made this appeal to the voters of Juju Valley. 

"Our municipalities, since last year, have been in contact and discussion with him (land owner) with the aim of buying the area so that it can be formalised into a formal settlement where our people will get all the services."

However, resident Harry Maleto said that political parties always said this during election time. 

"They should be as truthful as Mandela was and admit that our community still hasn’t been formalised. We’re also tired of political parties coming here and causing harm to our people."

Results for the by-election are expected around midnight.