Today South African’s headed to the polls to vote in both the National and Provincial Elections.
The day was declared a national public holiday which allowed all South African’s a chance to exercise their democratic right to vote.
The GCN travelled to several voting stations throughout the city to speak to people and see how they felt the elections were progressing.
We first visited Hoërskool Goudrif one of the designated voting stations for Ward 21.
We spoke to Anton Venter.
Venter who has been voting since the 1994 elections was in high spirits and told the GCN he was excited to vote especially if it brings about the change that he believes is needed.
When asked how he felt about the voting station itself Venter said, “I am happy with the organisation.
“We have been waiting here for two hours but the line is moving and it’s been nice to talk to the people around you.”
“The coffee helps too,” he added with a laugh.
Next we spoke to 28-year-old Maryko Neil who was there with her family.
Neil was excited to be voting and told the GCN, “It’s exciting to be part of our country’s future, and to be part of the end result.
“Even if we don’t know what the end will be yet.”
When asked about the venue organisation Neil commented, “The line is moving which is good.
“I also like the way officials have taken the elderly and families with small children in so that they can vote first.”
Noluthando Sithole a first time voter also braved the chilly morning air.
“Though it’s the first time I’m voting I must admit I am only partly excited by the process.
“No party has made voting exciting in my opinion, but still I know I must vote.
“After all it’s the right thing to do,” said Sithole when asked about her first voting experience.
Next the GCN visited Laerskool Die President, which is located in Ward 20.
It was here we met an enthusiastic first time voter Raksha Rambridge.
“I am very excited to vote.
“I have been telling everyone that I know to get registered and vote.
“I believe that if you aren’t trying to change things you can’t complain that they stay the same,” said Rambridge.
When asked about the venue Rambridge had nothing but good things to say about it.
“The venue was easy to find, the signs and banners are very helpful.
“I have only just arrived and already the line is moving which is great,” she said.
The next stop on the GCN’s agenda was a Gereformeerde Kerk in Ward 35.
Where Sandra Boyce an experienced voter had just arrived.
“The voting station is not as busy as I expected it to be and the line in moving quickly.
“I believe you have to be involved in the situation to make a difference,” she said when asked about her day’s experience.
Friends Zinhle Mthembu and Monica Diesel where also found queuing to cast their votes.
“We have voted since we were legal to do so.
“We are happy to have a say in the future of our country,” said Diesel.
The GCN also visited the School of Achievement the voting station for Ward 42.
We spoke to 37- year- old Nompumelelo Mofokeng who has just finished casting her vote.
“The day has been great, there were no long queues and everything has run smoothly.
“I hope that the elections go as well countrywide and that there is no corruption or negativity involved,” said Mofokeng when asked how she felt the elections.
First time voters, husband and wife, Cornelius and Marlene Lombard were cheerfully waiting in line when the GCN approached them.
“We are excited to be voting this year and we are hoping for change,” said Cornelius.
“We are not saying who has to win, all we want is a party that actually cares about the country and the people in it,” said Marlene.
When asked how they felt about the venue Marlene said, “There was a bit of confusion this morning but it was quickly sorted out and things have been running smoothly ever since.”
