Alexandrians joined the rest of the country which voted for an anticipated new era they will either live to enjoy or regret for the next five years.
Before the eventual victory by the ANC, they made emotional, informed and off the cuff choices for a political party they hoped to lead in their province and nationally. The choices made them cede their power to a party leadership they wouldn’t control if it deemed it necessary to enter into a governing coalition with parties they don’t want to be associated with. Some of them trekked to the 57 voting districts in the township as early as 5am in wait for the official opening at 7am. Ten of the anticipated 1.9 thousand voters had already queued by 5.30am at NPO, Women for Peace Station on 8th Avenue according to an IEC official. The two queues which led towards the polling booths moved relatively quickly.
One of the first to exit, Martin Mwaneri who declined to be photographed, could only say, “We now wait with bated breath for the highly anticipated results. I rather not comment further.”
Seemingly predicting the eventual result, ANC party agent Grace Molimane said, “Victory is certain, it’s obvious and I feel it in my blood.
“Its all over for other parties as we will continue our winning streak.”
Colleague Basin Tibane said, “We are in a one team derby which in the process of play, also makes mistakes but still comes tops.”
He added that only the ANC has a record and history to talk about on governance which includes the construction of houses, securing lives through welfare grants, providing free education at primary, secondary school and partially at tertiary level. “In the process, we made mistakes like any other human but the service delivery though falling short in some instances, can’t be denied.
“The victory will renew our mandate to continue more service delivery.”
Referring to corruption which tainted the party, another colleague Rose Moraba urged citizens to distinguish between individuals who aired from the party whose principles she said remained intact. “We will continue its mission on service delivery without them.”
Fumani Mthombeni, also a party member, likened the corruption scandals to churches she said will remain after transgressing leaders are removed. “If former president Jacob Zuma and others are found guilty, they, like any other citizens, will be incarcerated. No one is above the law.”
IFP agents who were next to them were also equally expectant of victory that didn’t come their way although they will have parliamentary and provincial legislature representation.
At Dr Knack Primary School the queue snaked up steps, into corridors and towards the entrance gate. Few voters could be heard mumbling complaints about latecomers being shunted to the front. This as those who had voted seemed satisfied and only prepared to say ‘everything went fine’. The upbeat EFF party contingent harped on their growing numbers to justify their chances which indeed resulted in a comparative increase to the past.
Percy Ziyo said, “We filled stadiums during the campaign while others failed to do so at parking lots.
“We are a miracle waiting to happen when the EFF takes over Gauteng without a coalition and amass enough votes in KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo provinces to enable us to govern the country,” he said about results which came otherwise.
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