Voting is well underway at the Phengweni voting station in Mhluzi on the main election day, November 4.

Following the conclusion of special voting yesterday, November 3, polling officials in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality reported a smooth and peaceful start to the main voting day after stations opened at 07:00.

Outside the voting stations in Mhluzi, political party representatives gathered as minibuses arrived, bringing elderly residents to cast their ballots. Some of the senior voters used walking sticks to make their way to the stations.

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Among those stepping up to the ballot box for the first time was Thapelo Ledwaba from Ward 20 in Vuka.

Despite previously choosing not to vote in elections, Ledwaba said he decided to make his voice heard.

“The reason I want to vote is because I want change in my community, and in South Africa as a whole,” Ledwaba said. “There are so many things that have been going in the opposite direction of how we want them to go. So, if you vote, you are actually voting for change.”

Young voters urged to take part

Ledwaba urged young people not to ignore politics.

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He said that government decisions directly shape everyday life, making it important for residents to have a say in who represents them.

“Most young people act like politics don’t matter to them, but politics influence our daily life,” he said. “If we vote, we might have a voice so that our town can change.”

Senior resident Albert Magope, who cast his ballot at Elusibdisweni Primary School, said that the voting process was quick and efficient, taking him only about 10 minutes inside the station.

He added that IEC officials treated him very well throughout.

Voting continues across the country until 21:00.