It was a slow start on 5 March at Marlboro Gardens Combined School with a total of 92 registrations by the end of the day. This according to registration supervisor, Thapelo Ditjoe, who was positive that the numbers would pick up on 6 March.
Werner Smit, Democratic Alliance Ward 109 deputy chair, was also optimistic that 6 March would have a better turnout, and it did. He said that by 10am there were already 20 people who had arrived to register. This voting station catered for residents living in Marlboro, Kelvin and portions of Wendywood.
Resident Umeshree Naicker of Ward 109 said she did not even know who the ward councillor for her ward was. “We need to have a more pro-active councillor,” said Naicker.
First-time voter Humayd Mohamed (18) who was accompanied by his mother Aadila Rajah, said it was important for everyone to register to vote. “Everyone needs to take responsibility for deciding which direction the country should go,” said Mohamed.
“Especially for the new generation, we will determine the future of our country.”
Ward 103 councillor Vincent Earp said overall the registration weekend went quite well. “There were a lot more young people registering in the age group 18 to 25, new homeowners and young couples,” he added.
“There was good spirit between activists from the different political parties.”
Ward 102 councillor David Potter said everything went well in his ward. Residents showed up, there were no issues of fighting among parties or voters who came to register.
The Democratic Alliance Johannesburg mayoral candidate, Herman Mashaba, visited the Sandton Fire Station where some Ward 91 voters could register.
Ward 104 councillor Mike Wood said there might be another registration weekend in April where those who did not get the opportunity to register to vote can register.
Details: To confirm if you are registered SMS your identity number to 32810.
How did you find this year’s registration process? Share your experience with us on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page
