Zululanders cast their ballots
After several morning glitches, voting gets underway smoothly across Zululand.
DESPITE several delays in some voting stations, Zululanders headed early to the polls today to exercise their democratic right to elect the country’s fifth government.
People started queuing from 5.30am to make their mark but some had to wait a few minutes longer as several voting stations experienced technical difficulties.
At Richem Secondary School in Empangeni, the voting station opened about 30 minutes late as IEC officials had problems with operating the scanners. According to voters, a ballot box also fell open, delaying the process further.
Scanner problems were also reported at Grantham Park Primary School with the voting station opening about 45 minutes late.
However, after a bumpy start, proceedings got underway by 8am at affected voting stations.
At other voting stations throughout Zululand, voters lined up in their number with first time ‘born-frees’ and older citizens enthusiastic to make their mark.
At Empangeni Civic Centre, three queues ran concurrently by 9am as IEC officials prepared for more than 3000 voters to cast their ballot throughout the day.
Security
At Richards Bay, security force deployments were beefed up following rioting at Mandlazini the day before.
A temporary voting station in the form of a tent was erected after the existing voting station at Mandlazini Community Hall was torched during a service delivery protest on Tuesday night.
Richards Bay SAP Captain Debbie Ferreira confirmed that voting was proceeding smoothly amid heavy police presence in the suburb.
Political leaders also made their mark across Zululand early Wednesday morning with President Jacob Zuma voting in Nkandla while KZN Premier Senzo Mchunu cast his ballot at Heuwelland Primary School in Empangeni.
Voting stations will remain open until 9pm this evening. All Home Affairs offices across Zululand are also open today to accommodate those who need the necessary documents to vote.
Home Affairs officials will be on hand to assist from 7am to 9pm in line with voting hours declared by the IEC.
View galley of voters HERE
