#IMadeMyMark: MEC pleased with peaceful elections in Mpumalanga

This is according to the Mpumalanga community safety, security and liaison political head, MEC Vusi Shongwe, who criss-crossed the province on Monday in his capacity as the member of the executive cabinet.

Shongwe visited a number of voting stations where he monitored proceedings and said he was happy with the manner in which both the voters and various political parties carried themselves throughout the voting processes.

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“I started at a small farm near Breyten and Ermelo, and I was happy to meet with farm dwellers and farm owners all peacefully participating in the elections. This was such a heart-warming experience for me as well. It proves that our farmers and farmworkers understand the true meaning of democracy,” said Shongwe. His mission was to move around as the MEC responsible for public order and to ensure that no one infringed on another’s right to vote.

“I was also happy to see various political party working peacefully together and that they were able to put their differences aside for the sake of this democratic process. This is great maturity by all the political parties in Mpumalanga.”

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In one incident, however, members of the ANC lodged a harassment complaint against him. “We were able to resolve this issue and advised the affected members of the ANC to report the matter to both the IEC and the police. But overall, the elections were peaceful,” said Shongwe.