South Africa

Sowetans young and old have expressed optimism at the positive future prospects presented by casting their votes during today’s 2019 National and Provincial election.

Anti-apartheid campaigner Denis Goldberg, who is one of the two Rivonia Trialists still alive, said voting and determining South Africa’s democracy is what his generation always wanted.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has likened today’s Election Day to that of the first democratic election in 1994, after witnessing the high voter turnout at voting stations across the country.

Most voting stations in Pretoria opened on time this morning as voting got off to a smooth start.

Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies says the right to vote is a hard-fought one, and that registered voters should make use of the privilege to make a difference.

Government has called on all South Africans, especially young and first-time voters, to exercise their democratic right to vote.

Higher Education Minister Naledi Pandor says she hopes young people will come out in their numbers to vote today in order to determine the future of South Africa.

The country’s correctional facilities are ready to allow inmates to participate in the National and Provincial Elections today.

As Election Day marks the beginning of a process of forming the 6th democratic Parliament, the Presiding Officers of Parliament have encouraged South Africans to cast their votes.

A Deputy Presiding Officer from a voting station in Benoni, Ekurhuleni, has been removed, following an investigation into a video showing a party agent assisting with the transfer of special votes.

The Electoral Commission at the country’s nine provinces say they are ready to open their doors to the 26 744 565 South Africans on the voter’s roll who will make their mark for the 2019 National and Provincial Elections.

Generally fine and mild weather conditions are expected to prevail over large parts of the country as voters make their way to the polls during Wednesday’s national and provincial elections.

As South Africans today head to the polls to cast their vote in the sixth General Elections, the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) has wished the country a safe and peaceful voting day.

The KwaZulu-Natal Justice Crime Prevention and Security cluster has expressed satisfaction and readiness for tomorrow’s National and Provincial Election.

About 26.7 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballots on Wednesday during the sixth General Elections.