South Africa

With just hours left to go before voting day, the Electoral Commission is ready for the seventh National and Provincial Elections.

The Electoral Commission (IEC) is ready to administer elections at all correctional services facilities throughout the country.

A total 937 144 voters cast special votes over the course of the last two days, the Electoral Commission said on Tuesday.

A total of 2828 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members will be deployed for the maintenance and preservation of law and order during the National and Provincial Elections.

Acting Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Busisiwe Shiba, says security agencies are currently deployed at all voting districts across the province.

Gauteng Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment MEC, Mbali Hlophe, says the roll out of a farmyards initiative will help instill healthy diets in townships, hostels and informal settlements. 

Caiphus Rampe, a pensioner from Orchards ext 21 in Arcasia, Pretoria North was excited after casting his vote this afternoon and the last day for special votes.

Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Zolile Williams, has confirmed that special votes are proceeding as planned in the province, including in Mthatha, Port St Johns, Nyandeni and other areas that were impacted by the taxi strike.

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) says it will observe the National and Provincial Elections on Wednesday to ensure equal treatment and the protection of people’s gender rights at polling stations. 

South Africa has expressed its “grave concern” over escalating armed conflict in Sudan, which has reportedly claimed thousands of lives, destroyed infrastructure and displaced millions of people.

With their sights set on safety and security and maintaining law and order during and after the election period, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in various provinces have been deployed at voting stations to ensure a peaceful and safe environment for eligible voters.

The South African government has joined the international community in condemning the “deplorable” and “brutal attacks” on innocent Palestinian civilians.

Time is running out for those who have yet to cast their vote in South Africa’s National and Provincial Elections today.

The Department of Home Affairs’ branches will remain open for the duration of the elections for ID applications and collections.

Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, was one of the thousands of citizens who cast their special vote on Monday.