Live: Voter raises ink and roll concerns at Western Cape voting station
An inquiry is underway after a George voter reported procedural hiccups during early-morning voting at a local station.
Update at 12:14
Concerns have surfaced at the Van Kervel voting station in George after a resident, Alet Grobler, reported issues regarding voter roll verification and voting procedures early this morning (November 4).
According to George Herald, Grobler stated that when she arrived at 07:00, officials were initially unable to locate her name on the voters’ roll, and claimed that although scanning her identity document allowed her to cast her ballot, her thumb was not marked with indelible ink.
According to Grobler, at least two other women experienced the same issue:
“There was already a queue. Another woman and an elderly lady were also not on the roll, and they followed the same procedure. Their thumbs were also not marked. The officials seemed a bit in disarray and I did not see any ink on the table. On my way out, I complained to the political parties’ representatives outside. This raises serious concerns.”
Grobler noted that despite the issue at the station, she later checked the IEC website and confirmed her details appear on the voters’ roll. The George office of the IEC confirmed it is aware of the complaint and stated the matter has been addressed, with further feedback from the IEC’s communications team pending.
Southern Cape round-up
Reports from across the Southern Cape indicate voting has largely been peaceful, marked by long queues, minor technical glitches, and eager voters:
- George: In Wilderness, conditions remained quiet around 07:00, whereas early queues formed outside stations in Denneoord and Pacaltsdorp. At Kidstop in Borcherds, initial electronic glitches were swiftly resolved. Presiding officer Monchesray King noted that lines remained manageable, anticipating peak turnout during early morning and late afternoon commuter hours.
- Mossel Bay: High voter turnout resulted in long queues across Mossel Bay Central, Heiderand, Reebok and Dana Bay. Voting in Dana Bay commenced slightly later than anticipated, while delays were also reported at the D’Almeida Community Hall, where voters had been waiting since 07:00.
- Knysna: Voting proceeded peacefully with a steady stream of residents arriving throughout the morning at Sunridge Primary, Hornlee Community Centre, Knysna Town Hall, the NG Church Hall, Masifundi Library, and Chris Nissen School. No incidents were reported, with music at certain stations lending a relaxed atmosphere.
- Riversdale: Voting kicked off smoothly with early queues and no notable disruptions, as residents turned out in high spirits to cast their ballots.
Published at 09:46
Voting stations across the Western Cape are open and voting is underway.
Caxton Network News is monitoring developments across the province as citizens cast their ballots.
Journalists from Caxton’s sister publication George Herald have been visiting voting stations since early this morning to keep readers updated on proceedings.
According to the newspaper, voting thus far appears to be running smoothly, with no incidents reported at this stage.
Another Group Editors publication, the Knysna-Plett Herald, posted a video yesterday of its editor, Wyndham Ewerts, encouraging residents to vote.
Watch the video:
The Oudtshoorn Courant posted on Facebook page that while some voting stations started the day relatively quietly, long queues formed early at venues such as Fezikele High School and the De Jager Sports Complex.
Voting stations in several neighbourhoods were still fairly quiet at about 07:00, while voters in Bongolethu started queuing before 07:00.
Political parties were at their stalls outside the voting stations early in the morning, where electoral officials were described as helpful and accessible to the media.
Voters who have yet to collect their identity documents have been given extra time, with the Department of Home Affairs extending operating hours at its offices.
According to The Witness, offices will remain open until 21:00 on Election Day to coincide with Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) voting hours.
The extended hours aim to ensure voters have an opportunity to collect their identity documents or obtain temporary identity certificates to cast their ballots.
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Read original story on www.citizen.co.za
