Smooth voting in Fetakgomo Tubatse despite power cuts in parts of Limpopo
Voters across Fetakgomo Tubatse headed to the polls early on election day, with officials reporting steady progress despite isolated morning power cuts.
There were fewer glitches early in the morning on election day, November 4, as most voting stations in the Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality (FTLM) opened on time.
“Glitches are not so easy to handle but we have not had them at this stage. All indications we have at this stage is that all is up and running. Indications are that we have opened successfully almost everywhere in the province,” said IEC chairperson in Limpopo Nkaro Mateta.
In Fetakgomo Tubatse, there were fewer queues at most voting stations during the morning.
Limpopo MEC for health Eddie Maila voted at Tubatse Primary School in the FTLM’s Ward 18, where there were no queues. Maila said: “I came here to exercise my democratic right, it took me a few minutes to vote and it was a smooth process. We call upon everyone to vote. People must understand their vote is their voice.”
Election day turnout and queues
At the Mogale wa Bagale voting station in Ward 31, a queue formed outside as early as 08:00. Many of the residents said they hope that the incoming municipal leadership will address service delivery challenges and create more job opportunities.
Concerned about the longer queues, voter Ina van der Merwe said: “I had been in the queue for almost an hour, but I believe I will be assisted eventually.”
Community member Elias Malatji alerted Steelburger/Lydenburg News that voting stations at Ga-Motodi, Mabocha, Motshana, Penge, and surrounding communities in the FTLM had power cuts during the morning on election day.
Provincial security oversight
Meanwhile, the Limpopo provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers, conducted oversight visits to various voting stations across the province on election day to ensure that voters are safe and secure.
The provincial commissioner criss-crossed the province with aerial support to monitor members on the ground, ensuring that voters are and feel safe.
Scheepers and his team ensured maximum deployment of members across the province, working in collaboration with various government departments with an interest in safety and security.
He said the province adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards lawlessness during the 2026 local government elections and beyond. “Limpopo SAPS is committed to ensuring a safe, orderly and peaceful electoral process, allowing voters to exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation.”
