Grahamstown residents who made their way to one of the many voting stations all over the town were satisfied with the election process. Grocott's Mail spoke to a number of citizens from different parts of town after they had cast their ballots.
Grahamstown residents who made their way to one of the many voting stations all over the town were satisfied with the election process. Grocott's Mail spoke to a number of citizens from different parts of town after they had cast their ballots.
The responses were very similar with everyone praising IEC officials for their assistance in Wednesday's national election.
Queues were short at most voting stations, while some venues didn't have queues at all at times.
People wearing yellow ANC t-shirts occupied tables at all the township voting stations, while a few blue-shirted DA party agents stood at the doors.
In the midst of this calm atmosphere, many interesting Grahamstonians shared their experiences with me.
Thando Ngeju of Jamela Street, Thatha and his visually impaired cousin Mthuthuzeli Kies made their marks at Samuel Ntlebi Lower Primary School.
Ngeju said the voting process went very smoothly and he was glad he could help his cousin to vote.
"It went very well there wasn't even a queue, we walked in and out quickly," he said.
Monica Siziwe Lwana, 60, voted for the fifth time and was also pleased with the voting process.
The Joza resident, who also voted at Samuel Ntlebi, said it felt good to vote again, adding that the atmosphere at the voting station was very calm. "The people working inside were very helpful. We voted nicely for our political parties without any hassles from anyone," she said.
Extension 9 resident Vezithemba Zantsi, 30, voted at the Extension 9 hall and echoed the other voter's sentiments. "I first voted in 2004. This is my third time voting and I am happy to say that I voted freely without any problems," said Zantsi.
Zantsi said he wanted to vote early and relax afterwards.
23-year-old Extension 9 resident Cleo Sandi voted for the second time at the Mayfield clinic and praised the IEC officials for their service. "The IEC people were very helpful and they assisted you if you weren't sure what to do," she said.
Leader of the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) in Makana, Luyolo Nogxabela, also made his way to the Extension 9 hall to vote.
"The process was very good. People know what to do and IEC people also did very well," Nogxabela said. "I have been voting since 1994 and I thank all the fallen heroes for our democracy including the late Nelson Mandela."
Elderly Extension 6 resident Ngqumbana Yapi on the other hand was one of the few who were turned away.
The frustrated veteran said this was because he had brought his old pass book to vote.
"They told me to bring the new one, but my children have that one. They use it to go and collect my old age grant," he said.
Yapi's children live in Vukani.
He was going to vote at the indoor sports centre in Joza.
Thundezwa Dyirha of Extension 6 was accompanied by a lively group of youngsters to cast her ballot at the Joza Indoor Sports Centre.
Nabo, Emihle, Bavuyile and Bukho carried South African flags and followed Dyirha to the voting station.
Born free's Slovo Dyirha, Siyanda Nyobe and Sinesipho Matiwane all turned 18 recently and voted for the first time at the indoor sports centre.
Dyirha said he saw how things were being done and decided to do something to change things. "I'm sure my vote will make a difference," he said.
Nyobe said he was voting for change and to ensure a bright future for his generation.
