Eastern Cape voters came out en masse and were patient, stoic and chilled in their respective queues at the polls yesterday.
Thousands arrived at various voting stations before dawn, a sign of how close to their hearts they held their democratic right to vote into power the party and politicians of their choice.
Politicians remained humble. Premier Phumulo Masualle demonstrated that, when photographed standing in line like any other citizen.
In Mthatha, 18-year-old first-time voter, Avuziwe Genge, wanted the winning party to fight poverty and create jobs.
She was speaking at the Ziphunzana voting station.
Genge said she felt she was part of democracy when she made her cross. “I took two taxis to get here from school to cast my vote,” said the bachelor of administration student.
“We have many people in my village who are unemployed but have qualifications.”
Despite dark, drizzly skies, Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) voters, especially the elderly, came out in vast numbers from as early as 6am.
Residents there have continuously expressed their discontent with government over poor service delivery...