Frustrated Joubert Park voters abandon polls after being redirected to other stations
On Wednesday morning, a number of voters at Joubert Park were turned away after waiting in line for hours and told they have to vote at another station.
Ntokozo Khumalo
Johannesburg residents wait in line to cast their vote in the local government elections. Picture: Ntokozo Khumalo/EWN
Ntokozo Khumalo/EWN
Some Johannesburg residents have been unable to cast their votes, citing alleged disorganisation by local Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) officials.
On Wednesday morning, a number of voters at Joubert Park were turned away after waiting in line for hours and told they have to vote at another station.
Frustrated voters said they cannot stand in another line after waiting for hours.
Others have said they were not aware of the change of stations and found the location they knew empty when they arrived, before being redirected.
"I am giving up, I am no longer voting, I will vote in 2029. Now we just sitting here without being attended. When it was my turn to vote, they told me to go and vote somewhere else. I won't vote now."
YOUNG VOTERS OUT IN THEIR NUMBERS
Young voters in Braamfontein have come out in their numbers to vote despite not having water or electricity in their area.
The residents, who are mostly students, are currently standing in long queues outside the Wits University Sports Hall.
Voters said that although they do not have their basic amenities serviced, they will still participate in the local government elections.
Multiple umbrellas held by the voters can be seen up in the air, providing shade against the hot sun.
Different political parties have pitched their tents on the lawn, with the African National Congress (ANC) right next to the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
A voter, Siyamthanda Masixhela, noted that it's an encouraging sight to see the different political parties standing side by side peacefully, and the outcome of students, despite their current challenges in their community.
“Like, guys, we are students that are studying, even currently today there's no electricity in Braamfontein, like why is that happening? People are writing, I literally have my book out with me and I'm reading, studying as I'm walking because there's no time also. But electricity so that we can actually do our work at home in safe spaces, you know, streetlights, some people study late going home, some of the issues that we are facing.”
She added that although she is not confident in who she will vote for, she still hopes her vote makes a difference.