In Pictures: Katlego Danke, Lasizwe and SA go out to vote during 2024 general elections
- South African citizens turned out in their millions to vote in the country's seventh democratic elections
- Some didn't vote and had reasons for not casting their ballot on 29 May, while celebrities shared snaps of their voting experience
- Briefly News compiled the people's thoughts and feelings throughout the process of election day
Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist in Johannesburg, South Africa, has covered policy changes, the State of the Nation Address, politician-related News and elections at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News for over seven years.
Source: UGC
GAUTENG – South Africans turned up in their millions to cast votes in the seventh democratic elections on 29 May. Some also avoided the long lines and abstained from the polls. Briefly, News spoke to citizens, who also shared predictions about who would emerge as a victor.
South Africans share experiences and predictions
Ramoloi Mofokeng, an advanced business application programming developer with a major bank, told Briefly News that he had braved the long lines to vote in the elections.
"I voted because I believe in the elections. I believe that everyone's vote counts and that everyone's voice should be heard. If you are a citizen of this country, you must exercise your right to vote. It's always a good idea to be active. It's always interesting to see how people feel about the ruling party and the opposition and how the results turn out," he said.
"This year seems pretty interesting. I think more and more people who would have voted for the ruling party have been disillusioned with how they run the country and the party."
Mofokeng said it would be difficult to predict who would win as this year's elections are exciting.
SME owner knows votes' value
Thabiso Mosia, a small business owner from Sharpeville, told Briefly News that he voted because he knew his votes counted.
"I've been voting since the 2021 local government elections, and I understand the power of voting people you can hold accountable," he said.
Mosia believes that the next government could be a coalition but is open to any unexpected possibilities.
Hairstylist voted to represent the youth
Rethabile Masakeng, a hairstylist from Vereeniging, told Briefly News that young people have to vote, and she cast her ballot to have her voice heard.
"I want to see young people be more active in politics, so if we vote as young people we can demand from our parties to have younger politicians," he said.
Veteran sports journalist shares prediction
Veteran sports journalist and editor Mathews Mpete told Briefly News that it would be difficult to predict who would win.
"It's a difficult one. I think the ANC will still win, but there will be a reshuffle. The ANC would win even though they may not win by a majority because a lot of South Africans are angry," he said.
"It was important for us to vote as South Africans, considering that the previous regime had achieved its goals. They also lived up to their manifesto. I voted because South Africa needs an improvement in service delivery in caring for little children," he said.
He noted that a strong youth presence marks the seventh administration and is no longer about the previous generation.
Real estate agent did not vote
Nathan Booysen, a real estate agent based in Vanderbijlpark, told Briefly News that he did not vote.
"I do not vote. I've never voted. I've always believed it is useless because of the country we live in with the ANC, which is useless and thinks only of itself. They don't care about the country and would only attend to issues to sell an idea to the rest of the country because they want the support," he said.
"I'm also not gonna vote for EFF or DA or any other political party. I understand why the country needs a political party to govern it, but honestly, I don't care about any of them. They make the same promises and deliver lies.
Celebrities and South Africans share voting pictures
Netizens and celebrities also shared their experiences during the day.
Eastern Cape community prevents residents from voting in general elections
In a similar article, Briefly News reported that a community in the Eastern Cape went on a protest that disrupted the elections.
The community said the government promised them land over 20 years ago, but they have not received any land. They blocked the main road with burning branches and rocks.
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Source: Briefly News
