Today, May 8 2019, South Africans will head to the polls to vote in the country’s sixth democratic elections. Political analysts have called it the biggest elections since the dawn of democracy.

18 voting stations have been made available across the Greater Eldorado Park to ensure voting is quick, easy and accessible to residents across all extensions. Despite the cold weather residents started que-ing as early as 6:30 am at various voting stations to cast their votes.

72-year-old Gina Botman from Eldorado Park Extension Four, who voted at the De Mazenod Catholic church, said that she hopes for positive change.

“I hope that our voices will be heard, we live in a drug infested community, our people are without jobs. My wish is for the unemployment rate to decrease.

“This will mean people will be able to take care of themselves,” said Botman.

• Watch: President Cyril Ramaphosa arriving at Hitekani Primary School to cast his vote [also read]

Another resident, Jordan Du Plessis, who is a first-time voter, said that the youth is at a place where they do not know who to trust.

“Communities are deteriorating, there are no jobs for the youth, crime is at an all-time high, service delivery is close to non-existent but we are told to remain hopeful.

“I really hope that change is on its way and that our votes won’t be for nothing,” said Du Plessis.

The 18 voting stations are: JD Opperman Centre, Eldridge Primary School, Boekenhout Primary School, Eldomain Secondary School, Lanceavale Secondary School, Eugene De Mazenod Catholic church, Cavendish Primary School, Florida Primary School, Ebeneser Church Extension Eight, Eldorado Park Primary School, Parkdale Primary School, Delrado Primary School, Kliptown High, Elohim Church Kliptown, Kliptown Community Centre, Pimville Zone 9, Firethorn Primary School, St, Ives Primary, El Pascio Baptist church Klipspruit West Extension Two.

The atmosphere remains calm at voting stations. All voting stations will close at 9 pm.