Edenvale residents help make history
"In the years to come, I hope for a united country and happy people."
May 8 saw voters young and old brave the queues and chilly weather to make their mark and have their say in this year’s national and provincial elections.
The many faces of Elections 2019.
They can all say #IMadeMyMark #bedfordedenvaleelections2019 #elections2019 #BedfordviewEdenvaleNews pic.twitter.com/HJSHHlfRpt— BedfordEdenvaleNews (@BedfordEdenvale) May 8, 2019
Fulfilling their democratic duty, residents took to the polls across South Africa on May 8, which marked the country’s sixth national election and 25 years of democracy.
In black & white coz we got history #IMadeMyMark #voted pic.twitter.com/PMJp1Qvth2
— Mapholoba (@NjayamJnr) May 8, 2019
An atmosphere of excitement and community spirit could be felt in Edenvale as voters waited in anticipation to vote.
At Edenglen Primary School voting station, community members turned out in their numbers, with the queue running along Wagenaar Street and stretching almost to Steyn Avenue.
Warren Barrett, who voted at the school, said the day went smoothly for himself and his family.
“I hope that whoever wins the elections has the interest of the people at heart,” said Barrett.
When asked what democracy meant to him, Barrett explained that it meant that citizens have the opportunity to vote and have their voices heard.
Like Barrett, Edenvale, teacher Jarred Dow said Election Day went well.
Only waiting an hour to cast his vote, Dow said it was a nice experience to vote in this year’s elections.
“In the years to come, I hope for a united country and happy people.”
Unlike Edenglen Primary School, the queue at Edenvale Community Centre was significantly shorter.
Voter Gerald Sijentu, who voted at the centre, said the day went smoothly for him.
“There was no noise, there were no disruptions at the centre, so everything went well.”
He said since 1994 South Africa had grown and become a united nation and he hoped it continued to do so.
Pretty chuffed that #IMadeMyMark in under 5 minutes. #SAElections2019
— Lelo (@01Lelo) May 8, 2019
Ward 19 Clr Bill Rundle said overall the elections went well in his ward despite the few hiccups which occurred.
“Basically all of the stations opened on time and there was a good turnout from the community,” said Rundle.
“The day went peacefully, with no fighting at any of the stations.”
Rundle said some stations in his ward only finished counting ballots at 7am on May 9.
Like Rundle, Ward 18 Clr Heather Hart said the elections went smoothly in her ward.
“The IEC’s area manager for Edenvale is very good, so everything went well.”
Hart said compared to previous elections, it appeared that fewer community members turned out to vote this year.
