#Elections2024: Special voters praise easy process

The special voting period of May 27 and 28 has ended, with many citizens exercising their right to cast their ballots ahead of the main elections on May 29.

The Boksburg Advertiser visited Laerskool Goudrand Primary (Boksburg North) to speak to officials and voters who participated in the special vote.

Among those to cast their special votes were Carol Mafagane from Boksburg, Sergeant Bhuti Kunene, and Aletta Grant. Each had their reasons for voting early but shared common expectations for the future of SA.

Mafagane, a resident of Boksburg North, said she would be working on election day and decided to do the special vote to avoid potential disruptions.

Her expectations centred on addressing the social ills in her area, particularly the challenges young people face. She also voiced disappointment at the government’s failure to grow the economy and create jobs

“The ANC has had 30 years in power but has failed to deliver tangible results.”

Mafagane emphasised the need for the government to prioritise the development of the country’s land and minerals, which she believes have been mismanaged.

Kunene also said his work schedule on election day is the reason for his special voting. He hopes for significant changes in SA, particularly in the fight against corruption.
“The voting experience was smooth and free of disruptions,” said Kunene.

Grant, a pensioner from Boksburg, decided to vote early because of her age.

Grant’s expectations are a better future for SA, which she believes can be achieved through the democratic process.

“My desire is for a better future for SA. Also, I was pleased with the voting experience; it was excellent.”

The Boksburg Advertiser will continue to provide updates and coverage of the elections as they unfold.

Atlasville Tennis Club
Except for a few hiccups, it was smooth sailing at the Atlasville Tennis Club on the first day of special voting. One issue was that the voting station opened late.

According to the presiding officer of the voting station, Simon Gumende, they only opened at 09:20 because they were taken to the wrong station. Gumede said another issue is the vacuum metal deposition (a latent fingermark development technique) machine that frequently loses network connection.

“These machines are important because they help us verify that a voter is registered,” said Gumende.

He said 119 people are registered to cast their special vote at the station. Some 67 people had voted by 14:30. About 26 registered for home visits.

“Because we want to establish how many people can make their way to the polling station, the home visits will be on May 28. Six people registered for a home visit decided to make their mark at the tennis club.”

Don Sinclair(72) and his wife Brenda (69) from Atlasville were among those who voted at the tennis club on May 27.

Brenda, who is in a wheelchair, had no difficulty making her mark.

Don said: “We had a pleasant experience executing our democratic right. I hope my vote brings change and helps fix the country. Service delivery must improve.”

Another voter, Zita Krog, said she had a good experience making her mark.

“I hope my vote brings change. We need more jobs and houses. Service delivery must also improve, and crime and corruption must go down,” she said.
Krog cast a special vote because she is a senior citizen.

Gumede said they expect 4 384 voters at the tennis club on voting day.

Also Read: #Elections2024: Why my vote counts!

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