'Steady start’ to elections, says IEC

'Steady start’ to elections, says IEC

YOLANDE DU PREEZ and Erin Carelse|Published 9 months ago

Sinoxolo Fatyi and Thendokazi Koloza after voting at Ukhanyo Primary School in Masiphumelele.

Far south residents queueing at Fish Hoek Primary School.

The queue at the Simon’s Town town hall snaked around the building.

The queue snaking around the Simon’s Town town hall.

The queue at the King of King Baptist Church in Sunnydale.

Kevin Alexander, Connor Deane, and Robynne Alexander-Deane of Sunnydale after they voted.

Voters entering the hall at the King of Kings Baptist Church in Sunnydale.

Daaniyaal Francke cast his vote at Kleinberg Primary School in Ocean View. He said it was a smooth process with no hassles.

Voting at Kleinberg Primary School in Ocean View started slowly with voters trickling in.

Lee-Ann and Mervyn Jacobs pictured after voting at Kleinberg Primary School on Election Day.

Thandolwethu Mbi, outside Ukhanyo Primary School, told the Echo she felt proud to cast her vote.

A large crowd gathered at Ukhanyo Primary School in Masiphumelele to cast their vote.

Gary Manuel who cast his vote at Sun Valley Primary, said he was excited to vote and take part in the elections.

Bernice Jaffe, pictured outside Sun Valley Primary, found voting easy because there were no long lines for pensioners.

Hundreds of far south residents headed to voting stations on Wednesday, May 29, to cast their ballots in the country's seventh democratic elections.

It was also the first time in history, since 1994, that voters received three ballot papers instead of two.

In the far south, there were long queues at the Simon’s Town town hall, King of Kings Baptist Church, and Cape Point Vineyards.

Voting got off to a quiet start at Kleinberg Primary School in Ocean View but later a steady stream of voters showed up to cast their ballots. According to most voters, the process went smoothly, with no hiccups.

The Echo spoke with Ocean View residents, Mervyn and Lee-Ann Jacobs.

Mervyn said his voting experience was hassle-free. When asked about his hopes for the election, he simply said, "To have a government that actually works."

Meanwhile, at Ukhanyo Primary School in Masiphumelele, voters came out in large numbers, eager to make their mark. Thandolwethu Mbi told the Echo she felt proud casting her vote today.

Sun Valley Primary School saw a similar turnout, with many residents flocking to the polls, in long queues.

Bernice Jaffe found voting a breeze because, as a pensioner, there were no long queues. She's hoping the current local authorities stay in power and that the roads in Sun Valley finally get some much-needed repairs.

Gary Manuel, who also voted at Sun Valley Primary School, was excited to participate in the elections. "It's important for us to have our voices heard and contribute to shaping our community's future through voting!"

According to the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s (IEC) deputy chief electoral officer Masego Sheburi, the elections got off to a "steady start" and all 23 292 voting stations across the country will be open until 9am tonight.

Related Topics:

national elections iec ocean view masiphumelele simons town fish hoek noordhoek muizenberg elections 2024