WATCH | Elections 2024: Special votes off to a good start | The ...
The special voting process got off to a slow but good start in and around Pietermaritzburg on Monday morning.
More than 1.6 million South Africans have been approved for special votes.
IEC staff are expected to visit 624 593 voters, with the rest expected to visit voting stations between 9 am and 5 pm on Monday and Tuesday.
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Witness reporters were out and about on Monday visiting different voting stations to assess the start of the special voting process.
Even though numbers trickled in slowly during the day, Orient Heights Primary School voting station presiding officer Amanda Ngubane said despite the low numbers, they had served 13 of the 45 special votes registered in her station.
Some voters who spoke to The Witness felt positive about the political developments.
Dr Kalvin Maharaj, who voted at Orient Heights Secondary, said the elections should be more about service delivery.
“I work in the public sector, so I see how stretched the resources sometimes get. This is disheartening and corruption remains the main enemy of the people. The ANC has done a lot for the people; I became a doctor through some government programmes. Too much infighting within the governing party is another challenge,” said Dr Maharaj.
Dr Kalvin Maharaj. Photo: Chris NdalisoHis sentiments were echoed by Vernon Reddy, a resident of the same Orient Heights area. Reddy encouraged people to come out in numbers and choose who they want to be led by.
“If you want change, the only way to achieve that is by casting your vote. I have no personal expectations, but wish for better living conditions for the people, including equal opportunities. Whichever party wins must put the best interests of the people before anything,” said Reddy.
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Logan Naidoo, who voted at Kharina Secondary in Northdale, was harsh toward the current dispensation.
“For the past 30 years, we’ve been through hell, so I hope that all the political developments will lead to change for the best. Here in our area, we clean our streets and stormwater drains. We cut our overgrown grass yet those are services we are paying for. Everything is a complete mess, and the missing link is the right person to take this country to greater heights,” said Naidoo.
An elderly couple who cast their vote at the Full Gospel Church in Chase Valley told The Witness that they were grateful for the special votes as it made things easier for them.
Voting also got off to a good start at the Azalea Gardens Retirement and Frailcare Centre.
Speaking to The Witness, Bev Raubenheimer (73) said she is most happy because the IEC was able to come to them for the special voting.
“This is the third time that IEC has been able to come to us. I am glad that we are also able to vote. Just because we are old, doesn’t mean that we cannot vote,” she said.
“Casting my vote this year is of most importance to me. This year’s elections are extremely important for the future of the country. I just hope that all goes well and that we will see change after the elections,” said Raubenheimer.
Bongani and June Buthelezi cast their special vote at their home in Mpophomeni.
Bongani and June Buthelezi. Photo: Londiwe XuluThe couple said they have children who are not working and some are over 35 years old, which meant their chances of getting government jobs were slim.
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June said with her vote, she wants the newly elected government to ensure that everyone, even those beyond 35-years-old, have a chance at getting government jobs. She added that they also wanted the government to increase social grants.
