LLOYD GOVINDSAMY

JAY SINGH from Phoenix described casting his first vote as a memorable occasion.

“My wife and I stood in the voting queue for about five hours. I can remember carrying our son, Athish, who was a few months old.

“We were all so excited to see what changes Mandela would bring and when he got into power, things were good.”

The 62-year-old retired cost analyst added: “When Mandela was around, everything was getting better.

“Currently, there is so much room for improvement. Crime is getting out of control. Criminals actually come into your house to rob you.

“People can’t walk in the road without having to look in every direction for someone who might attack.

“Life was not so bad in the past. Taking public transport used to be safe.”

Singh believes the government needs to invest more in public health care.

“People are put on waiting lists for a long time to get treatment and often have to wait from early in the morning to get their medication late in the afternoon.

“The government also needs to clamp down on drug dealers and do something about the unemployment levels.

“High unemployment levels means higher crime levels.”