Residents of Quigney in East London queued at the Orient Theater polling station to vote, joining a mass turnout of Eastern Cape voters seeking change. Despite disruptions from community protests at some stations, such as in the Nyandeni, Amahlathi, and King Sabata Dalindyebo municipalities, voters persisted. Many cited the desire to address unemployment, inadequate housing, and poor service delivery as motivations for their participation.
Residents like Anthony Sissing and Madoda Mtima expressed concerns over issues like unemployment and housing. Young voters, including Walter Sisulu University and University of Fort Hare students, echoed these concerns, calling for better service delivery and more support for unemployed graduates.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) faced challenges, including staff intimidation and infrastructural problems, such as water shortages at certain stations. Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi noted that protests are common during elections but emphasized their role in voicing community demands.
Original Source: Sithandiwe Velaphi
Date: 2024-05-30 01:50:11
www.news24.com