Pretoria – IEC officials have reported that voting in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria, is continuing smoothly with no incidents reported so far.
Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) presiding officer Onica Maila said everything was going smoothly at the voting station in Bokgoni High School, Atteridgeville.
She said when the station opened this morning, there were already people outside waiting in a queue.
“We opened on time and we still have enough material,” she said, adding that the only problem they were encountering was that of people who registered in other areas coming to vote at the station.
“We are doing our best to assist all those coming to vote here. No one has been turned away,” she told SAnews.
Police were seen patrolling and keeping a watchful eye to ensure that the elections are free and fair and that no one is intimidated.
People at the voting stations are still trickling in.
Martha Mokoni, 88, was all smiles after casting her vote. Despite experiencing some difficulties in walking, Mokoni managed to come to the voting station accompanied by her grandchild.
“I’m happy that I have voted for a better life and service delivery,” she said.
Many young people could also be seen in the queues waiting anxiously to cast their votes.
Simon Ndou, 19, who is voting for the first time, told SAnews that he was looking forward to a better life. “I believe that my vote will contribute to changing things in our country,” said an ecstatic Ndou.
All the voting stations in Atteridgeville were reportedly opened on time at 7am this morning.
According to Maila, there are about 3 000 people registered to vote in her district, and 32 people had registered for special votes. Of those, 12 were home visits, while the rest visited the station. – SAnews.go.za
