Mayor and Deputy President cast their votes

The executive mayor of Tshwane Kgosientso Ramokgopa and Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe cast their votes in the capital city on Wednesday.

Ramokgopa, his wife Georgia and son Matthews (1) voted in his home town at the Seaparankwe Primary School in Atteridgeville on Wednesday morning.

Ramokgopa said “Firstly, I voted because I would like to thank those who sacrificed their lives to make our country better. Secondly I voted to build and secure a better and brighter future for my son, Matthews (1).”

Ramokgopa was not discreet about which party he voted for and said that the organisation he voted for is the only one that can secure and built a brighter future for the people, and that is the African National Congress (ANC).

When asked what changes would be made in Pretoria, he said that there had been a lot of improvements in the city over the years and when people referred to change, they meant the acceleration of service delivery.

Several residents were happy to see the mayor voting in his home town and even allowed him and his family to go to the front of the queue as they were standing in the queue with the people. Ramokgopo’s mother Mmampaki (78) said she was happy to have voted for the fifth time.Ramokgopa said “Voting is big and organisations have worked hard to make people happy. We do see changes in five years. We are pleased with the changes that come with the years. The organisation that will win the elections should carry on the good work.

“Although there were a few hick-ups this morning with voting starting time things went well. Yes, there was a problem in Phomolong with the ballot papers arriving late but the IEC has resolved the problem and voting is taking place,” he said.

He also pointed out that things went well when the deputy president cast his voting in Colbyn.

The deputy president got into line to vote at the Colbyn polling station at 07:00 this morning. Motlanthe arrived at the polling station with an envoy, greeted the crowd and immediately made his way to the back of the queue of voters.

“There is no reason for anybody to jump the queue, since we are all South African citizens and people have been queuing since early this morning,” he responded when questioned about this decision.

Motlanthe also boasted a new smart ID card when he presented his proof of identification at the station.

When asked how he felt voting as deputy president for the last time, Motlanthe stated that he did not feel any different and that he would keep on voting as a South African citizen in future elections.

“After 20 years we are more stable and I am optimistic that we are reaching a point where our government is becoming accountable. I also believe we have succeeded in getting the message across that voting is very important,” Motlanthe said.

Regarding the free generation voters making their mark for the first time, Motlanthe said that they must consider all the party manifestos and vote according to their own conscience.

“I would like to encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote. We are spoiled for choice in this year’s elections,” he said.