Voting goes smoothly despite glitches at Norwood

Among those who voted were senior citizens as well as the ‘born-frees’ who were voting for the first time.

Speaking to the North Eastern Tribune from Jabula Recreation Centre in Sandringham, Muxe Mambana said he was voting for change.

“Although voting is my constitutional right, by international standards, especially within the African continent, it is a privilege. I believe South Africa deserves a better government. Voting is my only way to celebrate democracy and to honour our legends who fought for the freedom we enjoy today. My vote is my voice,” he said.

However, there were challenges at some voting stations in the northern suburbs.

Local councillor Marcelle Ravid said at Norwood Primary School, women wearing nail polish on their fingers were initially told they would not be able to vote. IEC officials raised concerns that their ink would not be able to stay if the thumbs had nail polish.

At Peterson Recreation Park, voters whose names did not appear on the voter’s roll were turned away and not allowed to vote because IEC officials did not have the Appendix 4 form, which served as a sworn or affirmed statement by a voter whose name is not on the voters’ roll.

Ravid said, “I personally had to organise the forms to bring them to this particular voting station.”

In both instances, the glitches were addressed and citizens proceeded to cast their votes. Sibonginkosi Ndebele (18) said voting for the first time was exciting. She said, “I am expecting the new government to provide a better education like building laboratories and libraries.”

Voting for the first time, Mikateko Mafuyeka said the day was quite an emotional one for her.

“I am taking part in history and I could almost feel tears rolling down when the IEC official put ink on my thumb. Am sure I felt the spirit of [Nelson] Mandela when I put my ballot papers in the ballot box. It was an amazing experience,” said Mafuyeka.

Ward councillor Marcelle Ravid cast her vote at Orchards Primary School.