Motale casts his vote but says South Africans are still waiting for change

Former Orlando Pirates captain Edward “Magents” Motale has called on those entrusted with political power to deliver meaningful change, saying many South Africans continue to struggle with basic services despite repeatedly voting in the hope of a better life.

Motale, who captained the Buccaneers to their historic 1995 CAF Champions League triumph, took time out on Wednesday to join thousands of South Africans who turned out to cast their votes in the 2026 Local Government Elections. He cast his vote in Mamelodi West at Ga-Melodi Primary School.

The former Sea Robbers skipper said voting was an important exercise of his democratic rights, adding that he was pleased to be part of the millions of citizens participating in the country's democratic process.

“For me, voting was just exercising my rights, and that excites me,” said Motale.

However, despite the excitement of participating in the elections, the former football star expressed disappointment at the slow pace of change in the lives of ordinary South Africans.

He said citizens repeatedly place their trust in political leaders, hoping that their circumstances will improve, only to be left disappointed when the promises made during election campaigns fail to translate into meaningful improvements.

“The problem, however, is that every time we put people in power with the hope of bringing change to our lives, we end up getting disappointed,” he said.

Motale added that while participating in the democratic process was encouraging, he could not celebrate fully while many communities continued to face challenges that affected their daily lives.

“As much as it feels great being part of the masses, I am not excited as long as we still struggle with basic needs such as a lack of water, unstable and skyrocketing electricity prices, and unemployment,” he said.

His remarks highlight some of the pressing concerns facing communities across the country, particularly at local government level, where municipalities are expected to provide essential services, maintain infrastructure and create an environment that supports economic development.

For many voters, the elections represent an opportunity to hold political leaders accountable and demand improved service delivery, affordable basic services and greater economic opportunities.

Motale's message was clear: while voting remains a fundamental democratic right, the real measure of leadership lies in its ability to improve the lives of the people who entrust it with power.

As South Africans cast their ballots, the challenge facing elected leaders will be to turn the hopes expressed at the voting stations into tangible improvements in communities across the country.