Special voting concluded in Waterberg District, Limpopo

Eight voting stations in the Waterberg District did not open on the second day of special voting in Limpopo. This is because all the registered special voters have voted on the first day.

The Electoral Commission (IEC) has confirmed that the special votes were cast on Monday at Grense Wengel in Thabazimbi, as well as at Jaagbaan and Stepping Stone in the Mogalakwena Municipality. ​

The IEC officials say they did not need to open the eight stations as 100% of the registered special voters on those lists had already completed voting during the first day. ​

The Waterberg District has, however, not been without challenges during the special votes.

The voters at Ga-Chokoe village outside Mokopane are boycotting the local government elections in protest against the re-demarcation of their ward under the Mogalakwena Municipality.

Mayor Ngoako Taueatsoala has confirmed that residents are protesting the relocation of their ward from Ward 3 to Ward 6.

“We tried to engage with them, but the indication was that they are not going to vote. Of which during the 1st and the 2nd day of voter registration, they have boycotted and abandoned the process of the registration, of which SAPS are part and parcel of our engagements, including the IEC.”

Meanwhile, special voting has been concluded. One of the special voters is Sara Matsoma, who cast her vote in the Mogalakwena Municipality. Matsoma believes her vote will contribute to bringing about change.

“It was nice voting today, so that I can have a voice. If I didn’t come to vote, I won’t have a voice. We would to see service delivery, we have issues with water bills. So, the coming councillor or any party that will be having victory must bring that to an end.”

Some young voters say they are placing their trust in their preferred political parties to bring about the change they want to see in their communities.

“I will be taking this opportunity to vote because I want better things for the community, as youth, to get jobs when we finish our studies, electricity and better infrastructure. We need changes in our lives, in our community; we need jobs when we grow up.”

Meanwhile, Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba is expected to cast her vote in Mokopane on Wednesday.

VIDEO | IEC briefing on Special Votes:

-Nsuku Shiluvana