VIDEO: Votes pour in for Ward 36 by-elections

VOTERS took to the polls at several voting stations across Durban North to vote in the Ward 36 by-elections on Wednesday. 

Similar by-elections took place at 455 voting stations in 95 wards across 55 municipalities in South Africa’s nine provinces, said the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).

At most stations, voting started at 7am and voters have until 9pm to make their mark at the polls.

Also read: Voter registration weekend for Ward 36 by-elections looms

“The by-elections are being contested by 40 political parties, with a total of 444 candidates certified as contestants. This includes 19 independent candidates. Of the candidates, 305 (69 per cent) are male and 139 (31 per cent) are female,” said the IEC.

The Northglen News heard from voters at several stations who said the voting process had been quick and easy. 

Making his mark at Northwood School voting station was 97-year-old Joe Schloms.

“It was like one, two, three – very easy,” said Joe’s wife, Len Schloms, who also voted at Northwood School. 

Durban North resident Sanjay Ramadhar cast his vote at Chelsea Preparatory School. 

Also read: By-elections postponed temporarily due to COVID-19 pandemic

“With the newly appointed councillor, we hope to see better service delivery. Lately the area seems to have been run down with general service delivery lacking with a lot of pot holes on the roads,” he said.

At Rosehill Primary, Briadene resident, Happiness Mkwanazi said: “I am happy to be here to vote today. I hope our new councillor will do the job well. In Briadene we are short of jobs and there is a problem with the sewer- there are often sewage leaks,” she said.

The results for the by-election are expected to be announced by midday on Thursday.  

Durban North voting stations are located at: 

Northwood School (140 Adelaide Tambo Drive)
Chelsea Preparatory School (30 Chelsea Drive)
North Crest Primary School (6 Benbow Road)
Rosehill Primary School (225 Buttery Road)
Durban North College (25/26 Prospect Hall Road)

Voters will need their green barcoded ID document or smartcard ID. All voters must wear a mask and observe social distancing at all times. Voters can take their own pen if they wish to avoid using the ones provided. 

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