Pretoria – Young and old have braved the cold weather this morning to cast their votes at voting stations in Soshanguve, Mabopane and GaRankuwa, in northern Pretoria.
Some of the voters said they started queuing outside the voting stations as early as 5am, before sunrise, to ensure they are one of the first in line to cast their ballots in South Africa’s fifth Municipal Elections.
Long queues were seen in the streets of Soshanguve and there is a strong police presence.
“I am here to vote for better services, I want to see improvements in my area,” said Japhter Masike, a Soshanguve Block TT resident who came to cast his vote.
He said voting was a way he could ensure his voice is heard.
Resident Zane Sithole also emphasised the importance of voting, saying it is important for people to vote to choose people who they want to serve them.
A Presiding Officer at a voting station nearby told SAnews that the station opened at 7am and that there have been no incidences.
“The station opened on time and since then we have been busy working,” he said.
First-time voter, Israel Mnisi, told SAnews he was excited to cast his vote.
“I have long been waiting for this moment, it’s exciting, now I know that I have voted for my community to get better service delivery,” he said.
He encouraged other young people to cast their votes.
Queues were also seen in Mabopane and GaRunkuwa.
With over 200 political parties and over 61 000 candidates participating in the country’s fifth Municipal Elections, over 26.3 million registered South Africans will put their crosses next to the name of the individuals and parties of their choice to serve their communities with honesty, integrity and commitment.
It is important to remember that you are not allowed to photograph your marked ballot paper. And, you are not allowed to share it on social media. – SAnews.gov.za
