Long queues and delays frustrate voters in Cape Metro

Long queues, delays and frustration marked voting at several polling stations across the Cape Metro late into the afternoon and evening.

In some areas, people reported waiting for up to six hours to cast their ballots.

Earlier in the day, the IEC in the province said voter management devices that caused hiccups had been resolved, and more staff were deployed to affected areas.

In Mfuleni, many voters gave up on the queues, saying they could not wait it out. One of the voters told SABC News that the waiting time proved too long.

“To be honest with you, this line, it’s a bit long, and the process is a bit slow inside because you do get some of the guys who are coming from far away. There are surroundings like LA Informal settlement just nearby, so for them it’s difficult to come and wait again, and they still have a long way to go back home. And some guys, they are going to work.” He said.

Another voter thought he would find a shorter queue after work.

“I had to leave my work, go home and when I got home, I checked and said; let me try to come here at 3 or 4 O’ Clock, when the line is shorter. Now I come here, its disappointed people. So it means we are not exercising our right at all now. We’re not able to choose who we want now. I don’t know if it’s happening everwhere or if it’s just here.”

DELFT RESIDENTS VOTE FOR PEACE

In Delft, which was rocked by taxi-related killings last week, community members said they came out to vote for safer futures for their families.

“They are shooting where my children are going to school. My children are going to school here, and I’m just hoping for safety for them and the party that’s going to win. I hope they’re going to change this thing from the taxi shooting.”

A number of young people also cast their votes for the first time. A first-time voter told SABC News that his decision to vote was driven by a strong hope for positive change.

“I’m not a political person, okay? But change is needed. We see the differences, and it’s affecting us negatively in our lives, and that made me want to hope for some change. And that is why I decided, as a first-time voter, to come and vote and hope for some change at least.”

FIRST-TIME RASTAFARI VOTERS

Just outside Knysna on the Garden Route, residents of South Africa’s largest Rastafari community, Judah Square, participated in the elections for the first time.

Historically, members of the Judah Square community viewed mainstream politics as misaligned with their spiritual and ideological beliefs, choosing to boycott previous electoral cycles. Yet, for one resident, breaking this tradition to mark a ballot for the first time ever was a profound honour.

“They’re not actually doing what they’re supposed to, and delivering services and promises that they are making to the people out here, the common people, you know. So from my side, I’m quite privileged to have my first vote today, like this was my first time ever to vote, you know. So I’m honoured.”

Along the West Coast, elections have proceeded smoothly, peacefully, and without incident.

Related video | Judah Square Community Votes for the First Time