Most voting stations in Pretoria opened on time Wednesday morning as voting got off to a smooth start at the Wonder Park voting station in the north of the capital, where voters started queuing as early in the morning.
In other Pretoria voting stations in the nearby Soshanguve Township, the biggest township in the capital, voting stations also opened on time at 7am (0500 GMT).
Presiding Officer at the Wonder Park voting station, Naledi Modibane, told a reporter that no hiccups or threats were experienced at the station.
“When we opened the station, already there were people queuing outside ready to cast their votes. People came as early as 0200 GMT,” Modibane said.
According to Modibane, all is in order at the station with voting materials having been delivered on time.
Voter Siwela Manzini told this reporter that she hoped her vote would count in making a difference in ensuring a better South Africa.
“My vote will contribute in building a better South Africa for all,” Manzini said, as she encouraged all eligible voters to go out in their numbers to exercise their right to vote.
Echoing the same sentiments was Leroy Mondy, a voter who said people should participate in building the country through casting their votes.
“For us to get better services, we must participate in the elections. This is the only chance we have as citizens to build our country,” he said.
Some 48 political parties are contesting in the national elections, with more than 26.7 million people expected to cast their votes by the time the polls close at 7pm.
NM/jn/APA