Challenges as voting gets underway
Voting is underway at Norwood Primary School and Peterson Park despite glitches that threatened to disturb the process.
Among those who voted were senior citizens as well as the ‘born-frees’ who were voting for the first time.
Speaking to the North Eastern Tribune from Jabula Recreation Centre in Sandringham, Muxe Mambana said he was voting for change. “Although voting is my constitutional right, by international standards, especially within the African continent, it is a privilege. I believe South Africa deserves a better government. Voting is my only way to celebrate democracy and to honour our legends who fought for the freedom we enjoy today. My vote is my voice,” he said.
There were, however challenges at some voting stations in the northern suburbs.
At Norwood Primary School, women wearing nail polish on their fingers were initially told they would not be able to vote. IEC officials raised concerns that their ink would not be able to stay if the thumbs have nail polish.
At Peterson Recreation Park, voters whose names did not appear on the voter’s roll were turned back and not allowed to vote.
In both instances, the glitches were addressed and citizens proceeded to cast their votes.
Voting for the first-time, Mikateko Mafuyeka said the day is quite an emotional one for her. “I am taking part in history and I could almost feel tears rolling down when the IEC official put ink on my thumb. Am sure I felt the spirit of [Nelson] Mandela when I put my ballot papers in the ballot box. It was an amazing experience,” said Mafuyeka.
Ward councillor, Marcelle Ravid cast her vote at Orchards Primary School and urged those who had not voted yet, to make their way to the polling stations and vote.
At the time of publication, there were no violent incidents and disruptions to voting reported.
