Peace, calm reign at Eastern Cape voting stations
Eastern Cape voters came out en masse and were patient, stoic and chilled in their respective queues at the polls yesterday.
Thousands arrived at various voting stations before dawn, a sign of how close to their hearts they held their democratic right to vote into power the party and politicians of their choice.
Politicians remained humble. Premier Phumulo Masualle demonstrated that, when photographed standing in line like any other citizen.
In Mthatha, 18-year-old first-time voter, Avuziwe Genge, wanted the winning party to fight poverty and create jobs.
She was speaking at the Ziphunzana voting station.
Genge said she felt she was part of democracy when she made her cross. “I took two taxis to get here from school to cast my vote,” said the bachelor of administration student.
“We have many people in my village who are unemployed but have qualifications.”
Despite dark, drizzly skies, Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) voters, especially the elderly, came out in vast numbers from as early as 6am.
Residents there have continuously expressed their discontent with government over poor service delivery.
“Everything is going smoothly without any hassles and party agents are co-operating well with IEC officials,” an official said of their 41 stations.
Hundreds of residents started queuing at the Extension 9 Hall in Joza township early in the morning. First-time voter Aviwe Ndawuni, 20, said she was expecting government to provide services to the people after the elections. Ndawuni, who took a gap year due to “financial issues”, called for free education.
An excited Nomaxabiso Zakade, 75, said she woke up at 6am feeling she could not stay away from the polls.
Nondumiso Lesoro, 67, voted at Samuel Ntlebi Primary School and said she was looking forward to seeing a change in government .
“Our kids have tertiary qualifications but are not working. “They are frustrated and eventually turn to drugs. Corruption and fraud is deeply rooted in this country.
“We are aware that the ANC has done a lot but we want more because there is lack of service delivery. RDP houses are sold by officials and councillors to people who have never even registered for houses,” said Lesoro.
Sicelo Elvis Dyantyi, 60, said he wanted the ANC to remain in power and govern the country. “I’m not voting for Ramaphosa but for the ANC. I want development and that is what has been pushing me to vote since 1994...
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