Soweto - Voters have begun queuing at polling stations around historic Soweto in Johannesburg to cast their ballots in the country's fifth democratic elections.
Early on Wednesday morning there is a jovial mood with voters expressing their eagerness to cast their votes as South Africa marks 20 years of freedom and democracy.
IEC officials, who were setting up at Orlando West High school, earlier said they were happy about the preparation and were ready to welcome the thousands of people who are expected to be casting their ballots there.
The first person in the queue at the voting station was Jabulani Ncube, who said he made his way to the voting station as early as 5am despite cold weather.
Ncube’s journey of voting started in 1994 and now, at 58 years old, he says excited to be still around to make his voice heard through a ballot.
“I always feel excited about voting. It is something that makes me feel powerful for some reason. I believe through voting I am able to direct the country to a particular direction,” he said.
Ncube’s youngest child, Xolani will be voting for the first time in this election and is one of millions of the so-called “born frees” who were born in democratic South Africa.
Polling stations across the country are opening at this hour and will remain open until 9pm.
More than 25 million people have registered to vote in this election with Home Affairs offices opened today to assist South Africans with the necessary documents to vote. –SAnews.gov.za
