South Africa votes under shadow of service failures

South Africans vote Wednesday in a closely watched local government election, with parties battling for control of major cities in a contest expected to offer a measure of the national mood before the next national polls.
The vote comes as a weary electorate contends with crumbling infrastructure, dry taps, persistent inequality and unemployment above 30 percent, deepening public disillusionment with the political establishment.
Polling stations opened at 7:00 am (0500 GMT) and will close at 9:00 pm (1900 GMT).
“I want things to change… people must get work. People mustn’t suffer,” said Thembinkosi Somana, 50, who was first in line to cast his ballot at a polling station in Langa, C...