Elections 2024: Massive turn-out as voters flock to polls
Voters began arriving at the polling stations as early as 07:00, eager to cast their ballots.
DESPITE some initial technical glitches reported at Merebank and Wentworth voting stations this morning (May 29), the enthusiasm remains high, with people determined to make their voices heard on this crucial Election Day.
Also read: #Elections2024: Ready to make her mark
Thembi Nzama was among hundreds of voters who came to cast their ballots at Wentworth Community Hall. When asked why voting is so important to her, this is what she had to say:
“If you do not vote, you cannot complain about not getting services. The vote is important because it gives me a voice to be heard, and it is our right enshrined in the constitution to elect the government we want to govern the country. The crime rate is high in Wentworth. We want the government to create job opportunities and improve service delivery,” Nzama said.
Another resident, Joan Labistour, said voting is crucial in bringing about the change that people want to see in the next five years.
“We hope the party that I am going to vote for will put Jesus Christ first in everything they do. We need change in this country. For the past 30 years, we have been grappling with poor service delivery. It’s high time that we elect a party that will represent us in Parliament,” said Labistour.
Other voters said they believe their votes will bring about change in their lives.
Pastor Dennis Labistour was ecstatic after voting at Wentworth Community Hall.
“Every time we have voted in the elections since 1994, we believed that voting plays an important part in electing a government that cares for the people. We keep trusting the parties we vote for because we believe they will make our lives better and improve service delivery. Nelson Mandela once said, ‘We are a Rainbow Nation, and we must work together.’ By voting today, I want to uphold what Nelson Mandela said,” Labistour said.
Irwin Joshua arrived at the Wentworth Community Hall as early as 07:00 to cast his vote.
“This day is significant because it allows us to elect the government that will govern this country. I came to exercise my constitutional right to vote for the party that will represent me in the Provincial Legislature, regional and in Parliament. It’s important for all South Africans to use this opportunity,” said Joshua.
As the day progresses, young and old people are flocking to the voting stations in Merebank.
Settlers Primary School is one of the busiest voting stations in Merebank.
Poobeshni Govender came early, before 09:00, to cast her vote. When asked about the significance of voting, she said:
“If we do not vote, we will not enjoy the fruits of the democracy that was fought for by our leaders. I want to vote for the party that will promote equal rights in the workplace,” said Govender.
Chrisdie Benjamin said, “A single vote matters because we want to see a country that promotes justice for all and improves our living conditions in Merebank,” said Benjamin.
During the voting process, some voters complained about technical glitches that resulted in long queues. However, the system was back online, and voting continued smoothly.
Ziyanda Zalisa was over the moon after voting for the first time.
“I hope my vote will make an impactful change in terms of job creation and service delivery. South Africans are grappling with high water and electricity tariffs,” said Zalisa.
Vasanthie Nair has been voting since 1994.
After casting her vote at Settlers Primary School, she said, “We all share the same sentiments. We want a new government that will ensure there is no load-shedding. Poor service delivery from the current government must now come to an end. We want a government that will fix potholes on our roads,” said Nair.
According to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), voting will continue until 21:00.
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