Yesterday, Stellenbosch voters showed up despite the rainy weather to cast their votes for the National and Provincial Elections.
MatieMedia visited one voting station, Die Stal at Coetzenburg, where some people waited for more than two hours to cast their vote.
Aynada Kahla (23), second time voter excited about elections.PHOTO:Dominique Jeftha
Second-time voter Ayanda Kahla (23) says, “I’m always excited about the election because this is a right that people before me died for and as a citizen of South Africa this is how I make my voice count in the political arena.”
Xolane Vincent Smith, EFFSC leader, and his comrades ready to help and motivate people to vote.PHOTO:Dominique Jeftha
Xolane Vincent Smith, Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command (EFFSC) leader says, “we have been going to each and every voting station in Stellenbosch to see that the voting process runs smoothly.”
He adds that they are calling on everyone to go out and vote.
“We had a meeting last night so that our party members know what are expected from them and how to conduct themselves inside voting stations.”
Timothy Juries (24), excited about voting for change. PHOTO:Dominique Jeftha
Timothy Juries (24) says, “what makes this election different is that it’s taking place on the backdrop of all the corruption and state capture that took place for almost 10 years. People are now actively involved to try and make a change, to let their voices get heard.”
Juries says that he thinks the public wants change, now more than ever, saying “It can be done by changing the governing party or by the governing party promising change.”
He adds that this was his first time partaking in the election.
“It feels good because I have been following politically everything that has happened over the last couple of years.
“My decision wasn’t made up by the manifestos each party posted or published. But more about the integrity of the parties. The last couple of years was evident that parties and individuals aren’t always what they sell,” says Juries.
Voters at the Stellenbosch Town Hall, waiting to cast their votes.PHOTO:Dominique Jeftha
According to the IEC there were 47 voting stations in the Stellenbosch municipal area. Voting began at 07h00 and closed at 21h00 of Wednesday, 8 May.