http://www.eyewitnessnews.co.za/articleprog.aspx?id=64808

Khayelitsha a ‘prized area’ for political parties

by Malungelo Booi

A political analyst on Friday said the Cape township of Khayelitsha is the focus of political activity due to a unique set of circumstances.

In recent days Cape Town’s oldest township has been characterised by scenes of service delivery protests ahead of May’s local government elections.

The area has seen several political parties coming and going in a bid to secure votes.

At the same time civic organisation Abahlali baseMjondolo has come out to discourage locals from voting.

They cite lack of development in their communities.

Stellenbosch University’s Professor Pierre du Toit said he is not surprised at the heightened activity in the area.

“What is special about Khayelitsha is that you have got a huge concentration of voters there and of course, that would be a prize area for any political party to capture,” he said.

The Social Justice Coalition’s Gavin Silber said the area continues to be marginalised.

“People are frustrated. People have waited for 17 years for many services. I think there is both the sense of frustration with the slow pace of delivery, but I think people are finding avenues to vent that frustration positively,” he said.

(Edited by Lisa Bartlett)