The election fever in Seatides, Tongaat, was evident today with some traveling from a distance to make their mark at the Seatides Library.
Traveling all the way from Richards Bay, Zamandile Khosa said he could not miss the chance to vote.
Khosa said, “People think that their vote won’t make a change but I understand that it will and this country needs change.”
Winni Manuni, from the rural settlement in Seatides said that her house was badly damaged by last weeks heavy rain.
She was disappointed that the ANC councilor did not visit the settlement after the flooding.
“I work in La Mercy. I walked to the library to vote because we need change.
“If we do not vote, we are accepting what the ANC is doing to us,” said Manuni.
People from all walks of life have been steadily arriving since the voting station opened its doors at 7am.
Voting officials confirmed that the Seatides Library has had 296 votes since this morning.
They are expecting 1000 voters by the end of the day.
Tongaat SAPS spokesperson, Manisha Mari stationed outside the Seatides voting station said that the voting process in the Tongaat area has been peaceful so far.
“Because it is a public holiday, we are expecting a few minor disturbances. People often drink and make trouble.
“So far everything has been under control but it is still early,” she said.
Mari said that there are 27 voting stations in Tongaat.
Two police officers are stationed at each voting station.
“The officers have been on duty from 3am. We will only go off duty at around 4 or 5am tomorrow morning.
“Later, when one voting station closes, we will deploy officers from that station to go to the busy ones or the ones that are having problems.”
Mari said the police are prepared for anything.
