Making my responsible mark

Kamvelihle Netjies spoke to voters from Fingo and Vukani.

The voting stations at Vukani and Fingo locations opened in time, despite the weather and residents were already queueing long before the voting station opened at 7am.

Party agent Noluthando Nkani was welcoming ANC voters at a table outside the voting tent. “Yes the weather is disturbing our operation – the wind is giving us problems,” she said. “But what else can I say because we have been excitedly waiting for this day. Now it is here, all we want is victory so we can maintain our authority and keep providing people with the resources they need. People complain that the ANC has broken promises and lacks in delivering services – but we are trying our level best and we promise to do more for people if they vote for us.” .

First time voter Athi Mabozam from Vukani, said, “It’s overwhelming to finally get to vote. Yes, as we all know all political parties have broken promises. People keep on saying the ANC has broken promises. But for me they are all the same: I am just here to vote for the matter of ‘I voted to prove that I am a responsible citizen’.”

“I first voted in 1994, and for me, every time it is the same feeling,” said said Thando Dyibishe from Fingo Village. “I wish the government could stop this thing of age restriction for employment. Here I am as a 50-year-old taxi driver and the money doesn’t satisfy me and doesn’t cover all my family’s requirements and needs. As a taxi drivers we don’t have pension funds when we retire. We can get fired any time and after that there is no UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund) which will cover us. We’re left broke and have to start looking for jobs – which is impossible because of this age restriction.”

Voters outside of the Vukani voting station in the Eastern Cape on the 8th of May 2019. A long queue curves outside of the station. Photo: Jonah Ehlers

Voters queueing outside of the Vukani voting station in the Eastern Cape on the 8th of May 2019. The overcast day bringing the potential of rain. Photo: Jonah Ehlers

Zintle Gawula, outside the Vukani voting station in the Eastern Cape on Election Day, the 8th of May 2019. This day marks her first time voting. Photo: Jonah Ehlers

Department of Education employee Sizakele Makabe after casting his vote in Vukani village, Eastern Cape on the 8th of May 2019. This former general secretary of COSATU is wishes to express his views with his vote. Photo: Jonah Ehlers

Alfred Ntonto, an EFF representative outside a voting station at the Nathaniel Nyaluza secondary school in Fingo, Eastern Cape on the 8th of May 2019. Photo: Jonah Ehlers

A queue extending outside in Vukani village, Eastern Cape with potential voters on Election Day, the 8th of May 2019. Photo: Jonah Ehlers

First time voter, Ntombethemba Mvemve outside of the Vukani voting station on Election Day, the 8th of May 2019 in the Eastern Cape. She hopes for the building and maintenance of houses and roads. Photo: Jonah Ehlers

A queue snakes outside the Vukani voting station of Election Day, the 8th of May 2019. The residents of Vukani Village await their turn to cast their vote on this important day. Photo: Jonah Ehlers

Telephone poles displaying ANC posters outside of the Vukani voting station on Election Day, the 8th of May 2019 in the Eastern Cape. A queue builds as Vukani citizens wait to cast their vote. Photo: Jonah Ehlers

https://www.grocotts.co.za/news/saelections-2019-in-makana/