As Election Day continues, thousands of South Africans have taken to social media to share their voting experiences.

Some have shared posts saying that the long queues remind them of the first democratic election in 1994.

1994-2024 we are here again #ElectionDay pic.twitter.com/SWCvBSLQJx

— #NomvulaM (@Vuvu007) May 29, 2024

It’s giving 1994🇿🇦 #ElectionDay 🗳️

How was your queue? pic.twitter.com/JL1Cp9eDqe

— Nthabeleng Matt Elle (@Mat_Elle) May 29, 2024

During a midday media briefing, the IEC said that 16 000 IDs had already been collected at Department of Home Affairs branches today.

Home Affairs branches will remain open until 21:00 for ID collection and the issuing of temporary IDs.

Masego Sheburi, the IEC’s deputy chief electoral officer, said by 13:00 the commission predicted a 66% voter turnout – the same as the voter turnout in the 2019 general election. However, the voters’ roll has increased since then: There were 26.74 million registered voters in 2019, compared with 27.79 million in 2024.

By 07:00, 93% of voting stations were open. The remainder of the stations opened within an hour.

A total of 25 stations opened late due to protests, while others were delayed due to logistical issues.

🚨Are you a first-time voter unsure about what to expect at a voting station? We’ve got you covered! Check out this guide detailing the voting process before you head out to vote. Remember, vote where you are registered and don’t forget your ID. #SAelections24 #VotingDay… pic.twitter.com/XWAvEL1PUG

— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) May 29, 2024

101-year-old man votes in Durban

Joe Schloms, a pensioner from Durban North, was excited to cast his vote this morning.

The 101-year-old, who visited the Northwood School voting station with wife Lyn, said that he wanted to wait in line to cast his vote rather than apply for a special vote, Northglen News reported.

“I expected a longer queue at the voting station, but it was a good thing we chose to come early. I’ve been privileged enough to vote in every election I’ve been eligible to do so, and that is why I wanted to be in line to make my mark. It’s important to vote for the good of our country. I would like to see improvement and change for everyone, not just me,” he said.

“It is our democratic right to vote, and every vote counts. It doesn’t matter who you vote for as long as you make your voices heard,” he said.

Schloms also explained the reason behind voting today, rather than using a special vote day.

“I’m still able to walk and have no infirmity, so I felt it was better for me to come to the voting station to make my mark.”

‘Smooth start to elections’

The elections got off to an ‘inspiring, smooth start’, said acting GCIS director-general Nomonde Mnukwa in a statement today.

“Tens of thousands of South Africans have already cast their vote, affirming the strength and vibrancy of our democracy.”

Mnukwa said there is a conspicuous and palpable sense of jubilation at voting stations.

“The dignity and patience with which voters are conducting themselves is a sign of our maturing democracy and we are confident that these elections will build on our history of free and fair elections” said Mnukwa.

Government urged voters to keep making their way to voting stations throughout the day to avoid bottlenecks near closing time.

“Voters who are registered to vote can send an SMS with their ID number to 32810 or WhatsApp to 0600 88 0000 to determine if they are on the IEC voters’ roll and locate the name of the voting station where they will cast their ballots.”

Young voters turn up in numbers

Government said in its media statement there are early indications that young people have turned up in their numbers to vote.

UWC campus. Love to see this 🙌🏽🙌🏽🥹

#ElectionDay pic.twitter.com/53HTW2FbwA

— vhuyie🤍 (@Meet_Felicia) May 29, 2024

“The impressive early indication of a significant youth cohort turnout and their enthusiasm demonstrated on social media platforms is a clear demonstration of a nation invested in a future which is underpinned by a collective sense of the civic responsibility and active participation that comes with democracy.

“Your vote is your power and allows you to choose who will represent the interests of your community.  We should never forget that elections are our collective voice, and your vote has immense power to inspire a path that will lead to the growth of our country. This Election Day let your voice be heard and let your ‘X’ speak for you.”

#ElectionDay in 🇿🇦

Long queue at 🇩🇪 School Pretoria which is a Voting Station today. Abekho abafundi namhlanje, ama-voters kuphela pic.twitter.com/WGtNUqrUSn

— Andreas Peschke (@AmbPeschke) May 29, 2024