Randburg voting closes as ballots head to count
Local councillors and candidates reflect on early morning queues, rain disruptions, and mixed voter turnout across suburban wards.
The atmosphere across Randburg was filled with excitement and anticipation as residents gathered outside voting stations from early in the morning to cast their votes in the local government elections.
Long queues formed at voting stations as people waited patiently to exercise their democratic right.
Read more: Randburg residents head to the ballot box to make their voices heard
Young and old stood side by side, some arriving before sunrise to ensure they were among the first to vote.
Despite the long queues and delays, voters remained patient and hopeful, understanding that every vote counts in shaping the future of their communities.
The elections represent an opportunity to voice their concerns about service delivery, roads, water, electricity and community development.
As the day unfolded, Councillor Devon Steenkamp explained that his ward achieved more than 65% turnout. He said that despite the morning delays, this was the first election where he had reason to compliment the IEC.
Mixed turnout across suburban wards
Ward 102 Councillor Bea Campbell-Cloete reported a different experience, noting she was disappointed with the turnout in her ward.
Also read: Municipal budgets: How they impact voter choices ahead of 2026 local elections
“I wanted more people to show up. I am disappointed, but overall, I feel positive. We did not have major issues except for the delays in the morning.”
ActionSA Ward 101 candidate Shane van der Westhuizen said turnout was extraordinary, with some voting stations recording 90%.
“It is so encouraging to see voters coming out this big. We had no major issues, things went smoothly, and we are now waiting on the results, which should be positive.”
Ward 104 Councillor Emi Koekemoer was also disappointed, saying voter turnout was not great.
“It was good the first few hours of the day, and once the rain hit, things went down. But besides that there were no major issues.
We did have a situation of people not being able to vote in their cars, people who were not feeling well and did not register for special vote.”
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