Vuwani residents to vote as long as they feel safe

UPDATE 5 – Amid a strong security presence in Vuwani , arrangements are reportedly in force for Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) officials and voting station teams to be escorted in volatile areas.
According to the acting Provincial Secretary of Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA), Lulamile Jack, the situation in the Vuwani area remained volatile. He said voting stations were being protected and arrangement s were in place for the Police to accompany IEC officials and teams attached to voting stations in volatile areas as a precautionary measure. Following a visit to Vuwani last night, he said during interaction with residents in the area it was indicated that registered voters would want to go and vote today as long as they felt safe. He made an appeal for people in the area to be allowed to exercise their right to go and vote today.
According to Jack they would continue working with the people of Vuwani and ensuring children returned to school was most important after today’s elections.
*Attached are more photos of the spread thus far captured by Polokwane Observer’s editorial team back in the city.

Story by: Yolande Nel
Photos by: Alet-Elize van Jaarsveld

Featured photo: Flip and Hendrina Wessels have never missed a vote. They voted at Flora Park Comprehensive High School early morning.