The people came and exercised their right to vote in a democratic state and then beyond expressed their freedom of choice as to whom they entrust will represent their lives better. As forecasted it was a chill to warm day as the young and old graced the voting station to make history that will be narrated to future generations. As some families brought with them their toddlers as a significant step while others just took advantage to be ushered to front of the queue as they were carrying babies. After many talk shows, campaign drives and determinations it was time to bring them into all into an X!
A sombre mood in many polling stations around Gauteng and most without significant incidents of intimidation. Mainly technicalities of power out in some areas of Soweto during voting, ballots running out but augmented instantly, a protest that was contained, while some vented their hearts out on discovering discrepancies with their names on the voters roll, and more of similar challenges throughout the country. The concern was fewer voters than was expected in some polling stations while in others were visuals of long lines resembling a more serious participation.
Those who came to vote while losing confidence in the current government, they do have pointers that some of the positive initiatives can be developed further. There was this lingering suspense on voter faces in the lines, hope mixed with anxiety as to what’s going to change in the next few weeks especially for those who have been living their lives on survival mode. It has been a delightful sight to see the elderly being ferried by a shuttle to voting stations and back home.
The dissemination of information was not hundred percent on voter education as some parts of communities seemed lost on some voting procedures. The IEC had a way of informing the people but hopefully more can be done next time, such as engaging local media publications who penetrate the very depths of society which were poorly utilised if not at all in some instances, relying mainly mainstream media. One such case on the special votes days some of the elderly came to the stations and complained that nobody visited their homes denying them of their benefit for their private participation as was conducted with their neighbours.
While many of the IEC officials were on point in guiding and helping many in society to exercise their franchising activity, and a consolation that it is a well administered entity, some were just offenders of the people, with little etiquette, bully and impatient, it was disheartening that some even attempted to intimidate members of the media. And many incidents reported across the provinces where people were demanded items and some turned back for dodgy reasons. While we had incidents of double voting back in 2019 one wonders if the system was not thoroughly checked to prevent the repeat thereof.
For some of the youth who participated for the first time in a ballot booth is was joy and determination as their citizenry was cemented. They adhered to voter education and the realisation that their votes determine their future interests. But remarkable was the youth at tertiary institutions who came in numbers and related that they could speak their voice out as notably have been dealt a blow by government funding schemes not reaching them and that left them stranded in the previous year.
The new players in the political game solidified their presence as the flamboyant Party Agents announced their existence through various activities, showing off their radiant colours, and entrenching a wave of determined change in the communities. They have seen, lived and acknowledge the status quo and believe in making a difference as they are the grassroots. As president of Soweto Parliament Nhlanhla Lux, stated that it is only through formulated structures in communities of people coming together that can instil pressure and hold local municipality administrators to account in delivering effectively on the essential services tasks.
We can marvel on the strong police visibility on local streets round the clock and active service to residence at voting premises. Well done to the Nat Joints security clusters for assuring and maintaining peace and stability during the voting of Soouth African citizens and beyond, preventing any unwanted unexpected eventualities. We can also appreciate that the Premier of Gauteng Panyaza Lesufi presented drones and CCV camera technology enforcement to make the Gauteng streets safe. And we cannot leave out the on the ground base operations of the Community Policing Forums members, who volunteer their precious time and efforts to make the local streets safe.
Jerry Sokhupe
Soweto Sunrise News
