Special voters hail ‘democracy in action’

Special voters applauded the country’s democracy and the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) for helping them cast their ballots on Monday May 27 and Tuesday May 28 either at home or polling stations.

South Africans went to the polls in the National and Provincial Elections (NPE2024) yesterday, Wednesday May 29, while those who had applied for the special vote could make their mark earlier.

According to the IEC, “Voting Station Special Voting is open to any voter, who for whatever reason, cannot vote at their voting station on Election Day (29 May). This application is not limited to type of work or age. It is also available if you simply want to avoid possible queues on Election Day.”

Limise Nomkhebe has hailed the IEC and the country’s democracy for encouraging people to register for the special vote and allowing them to vote in the comfort of their homes.

The pregnant mom was visited by the IEC at her Mfuleni home on Monday May 27.

When Vukani visited her, she was ecstatic that she managed to vote.

“I am over the moon to have voted. What I am extremely happy about is that democracy is really in practice. Another thing is that it means our rights are respected. In other words, this democracy is working.”

She also applauded the IEC’s voter education programmes to encourage people to register for the special vote in the next elections. “They have been urging and encouraging us to register. The programmes were all over the place for those who were willing to see and learn. The IEC must be applauded for that. I just hope that many people responded to the call so they can vote,” said Ms Nomkhebe.

The adamant mom said she is sure she voted for the right party. She urged people to vote for change and refused to be drawn on what people should look for in a political party. “All I know is that I voted for the right party and it will win. But as they say, your vote is your secret,” she said.

Wheelchair-bound Goodman Nobhala from Langa also praised the IEC for what he said is a super service.

“These guys must be given flowers while they are still alive. I never thought government officials could come to my shack so I could vote for the party of my choice. I have voted and I am delighted,” he said.

He said he is only waiting for the results but is also sure that he voted for a party that will change his life.

“I voted for people who I trust will respond to people living with disabilities. I know during this time, every Jack and Jill promised a better life but after the vote, they are gone. The party that I voted for will take care of our needs as people living with disabilities,” he said.