The first day of special votes got off to a slow start at a voting station in Karenpark, Akasia, north of Pretoria.
SAnews.gov.za arrived at the station just before 8am, to observe the start of the first day of special voting, noting that the station opened on time. At that time, there were only four elderly people waiting to cast their votes.
Sathiel Mathekge, who arrived just before the voting station could open, told SAnews.gov.za that he opted for the special vote because of ill-health.
“I saw it fit to make time to come and cast my vote as this is the only chance to be heard [and] to bring changes in my community,” he said.
Mathekge said it is important for people to vote and elect the right people who will bring change to communities.
Another voter, Pheneus Khubutlo, told SAnews he saw a need to apply for a special vote due to work commitments.
“I will be out of town, therefore I won’t be around here to cast my vote, hence I am here today to cast my vote,” he said.
Khubutlo said it is important for one to cast his or her vote to ensure that services are delivered to communities.
Presiding Officer, Boitumelo Marx , said stationary for the voting station was delivered on time and officials at the station were ready to serve those who will arrive at the station to cast their votes.
“We are ready to assist those who will be coming to cast their ballots,” he said.
Marx said a total of 5318 people had registered to cast special votes at the Akasia voting station. At the station, police officers have been deployed to ensure voter safety.
“We hope all the people who have registered will show up and we are ready for them,” he said.
The two-day special voting for the 2026 Local Government Elections got underway on Monday, allowing eligible voters who are unable to visit their polling stations on Voting Day to cast their ballots early.
READ | Special votes get underway
The IEC has approved 2.65 million special vote applications this year, representing a 131% increase compared with the 2021 Local Government Elections.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has stated that spring weather conditions are likely to vary across the country during the voting period. Millions of South Africans will cast their ballots on Wednesday. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Original report at SAnews.gov.za.
