MATOME MAFUKWANE: I believe that change is coming. There are credible IEC staff members who are ensuring that elections are fair and going smoothly despite the long queues. I can only urge voters in this Bloubasrand Nautilus Park voting station to remain patient.
Election day has arrived and residents have turned up in their numbers to vote.
Voting stations are abuzz across the country as residents have come to determine who will run their wards and municipalities.
Long queues wind their way round some schools and recreation centres, while voting at other locations is as easy as one-two-three-done.
In Auckland Park, jazz music was played and tea and coffee is being served to residents. While at the Panorama sports grounds, there is reportedly only one scanner, and the queue is moving very slowly there. Furthermore, all entrances to the University of Johannesburg have been closed, except for the entrance on Ditton Avenue.
Residents were asked how they found they voting process, and here is their response:
EZRA KARUPPAN: It was was my second time voting in Joburg and I am happy to go home and drink coffee afterwards.
TYREL KARUPPAN: I hope my vote will make a difference because every vote counts.
PHILIP LAWSON: It was a great experience and I am happy that I got to vote.
IZAAN VAN DER WALT: I waited in the voting queue for an hour and a half but it went quicker than I thought it would.
AMORIE VAN DER WALT: The wait in the queue was cold but I am happy that it’s done.
DA Ward 126 councilor candidate David Brand: Out of the three Ward 126 voting stations, the one at Allen Glen moved the fastest. People are so keen and excited to cast their vote.
JACK MALATJI:i Registration and voting went swiftly. I did not wait in any line. This voting station was chosen for me and it is was perfect, no hassles at all. I have faith in the new councillor that is going to step in. I want to see change in the community. Less sewage leaks, markings on the roads and a better community. We need some change and I am excited for what is to come.
SIPHESIHLE KETI (24):The process was efficient. I did not wait in any queue while registering and while voting. Everything was in order. I expect to see a change in the community. No more sewage leaks. Young people are not voting but it is useless to complain without taking any action. My vote counts.
LEHLOHONOLO CHABELI: It went very fast and it was very organised inside. It is very nice to see Mmusi Maimane here at Allen Glen High School and it was nice that he stood in the queue.
SAULI CHABELI: I came with my father for my very first time voting. It went well and fast. I was a bit nervous coming here, but it was a very nice experience.
MITA MOGALE (73):The voting experience was nice and easy. I was helped and as a senior citizen I was taken to the front of the queue. I hope that we get better housing in the Cosmo City RDPs. The roofs are constantly leaking. I pay what I need to at the municipality. I expect good service.
ALEXIO, KYLE AND MIRANDA VILANDER: Voting was short and sweet. It was well-run. It only took us about 15 minutes, even though we were in the longer queue.
GRAHAM AND CLAIRE BRADDON WITH SON XYLER: We caught a ‘Zoobat’ Pokémn while we were in the queue, which was great. Voting was super short and efficient.
LESIBA SEKELE: Voting was very quick, easy and efficient. It was great.
ARNO AND HENDRIHETHA SWANEPOEL: It was quick and efficient. The service was better than last time. The people in there were friendly and helpful.
MOSES MAJOLA: The queue was very long but as a registered voter I felt the need to stand up and make a different in my own country. But today it is cold and windy; I just hope that my vote will make a change that I want to see in my country.
DESHANTA NAIDOO: I’m passionate about casting my vote today. It is unfortunate more people do not share the same sentiment.
THANE THOMPSON: I was hoping more people that I know were more progressive in their thinking and wanted to cast their vote. I believe it is important to do your part and make a difference by participating.
FRANS RABUTLA: Although the queue was long I think it was worth bracing the cold weather. I believe that my vote will make a change and give us a better life. After all it was worth standing in the queue to exercise my fundamental political right.
MASHUDU MARIBA: I arrived here at Cosmo City Multipurpose centre and an hour later I was done despite the long queue. I enjoyed getting inked and voting for the change I want to see in this country. Hopefully very soon we will know who our ward councillor is, who will turn things around.
MATOME MAFUKWANE: I believe that change is coming. There are credible IEC staff members who are ensuring that elections are fair and going smoothly despite the long queues. I can only urge voters in this Bloubasrand Nautilus Park voting station to remain patient.
ELLIOT NYALUNGU: The line moved fast in the morning but since 11am the line became slow. Over 900 people have been through so far. We expect 3 109 people to vote today.
MARIAM MAKGATHO: It was quick. I was in the queue for 30 minutes and they were well-organised.
DAN PILLAY: It wasn’t bad. I’m a pensioner so I was called through and I only waited 10 minutes. They were efficient and had everything in place.
