Cape Town residents take to the polls: 'It’s important for everyone to vote'
In Nyanga, it's been a relatively quiet but steady start, while in Bo-Kaap, residents have shown up in their numbers.
Eyewitness News
Residents of Bo-Kaap queue to vote in the local government elections. Picture: Lindsay Dentlinger/EWN
Lindsay Dentlinger/EWN
Residents in Nyanga are slowly making their way to polling stations as voting gets underway on Wednesday morning.
Election officials said older residents are among the first to arrive, with a steady stream of voters expected throughout the day.
Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) staff have been in place since early in the morning, ready to welcome voters as the polls open.
It's been a relatively quiet but steady start at the Assembly of God voting station in Nyanga.
The presiding officer said fewer than 20 people had cast their ballots by early morning, describing turnout so far as normal for this time of day.
The voting station is one of eight in the area, providing residents with several venues to cast their votes.
Police and law enforcement officers are visible in and around the station to maintain order and ensure voter safety. They are expected to remain on duty throughout the day and into the evening.
Several political parties have also set up outside the venue and are closely monitoring proceedings.
BO-KAAP RESIDENTS OUT IN THEIR NUMBERS
Residents of the Bo-Kaap in the Cape Town city bowl have turned out in their numbers for an early start to the voting day.
An area of the city that often clashes with local government over heritage and development issues, young and old are standing shoulder-to-shoulder to cast the first ballots.
Bo-Kaap residents enjoy panoramic views of the Cape Town city and its iconic landmarks.
But along with that come high rates and utilities for many pensioners who live here.
A long-time resident, Zee, said she’s turned out early to vote for the change they want to see.
“The vote needs to change not only to run the Bo-Kaap in a different way, but everywhere else. Sometimes, I think that the city regards the city as being certain areas and there are many other areas that are severely neglected.”
Twenty-six-year-old Aaliyah was also in the queue before doors opened, saying she will be taking these factors into account when she votes.
“I think heritage rights, equality, upkeep of the community as well, are very important.”
For Michael, a resident of the city bowl, safety and security are his top priorities in determining who to vote for.
“I think it’s important for everyone to vote. If you follow the parties and see what our taxpayers pay for, I think it’s important that we look after each other.”
The queue here at the Schotschekloof Primary School continues to grow in this traditionally Muslim community, where the Democratic Alliance (DA) has retained the ward for the last two decades.
Article compiled by Mihle George and Lindsay Dentlinger.