JOHANNESBURG – Diplomatic election observers on Wednesday praised the country and said they had seen “democracy at work”.
South Africans are voting in provincial and national elections.
Observers from Belgium and Germany visited 13 polling stations in Gauteng and the North West province on Wednesday.
German ambassador to South Africa Horst Freitag and his counterpart said the process was “extremely professional”.
They are expected to visit more polling stations in other provinces before voting closes at 9pm.
Delays were however reported at some polling stations around the country.
In some instances, officials arrived late, voting material was not delivered on time and buildings were not open at 7am as expected.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) says logistical and staff issues were behind the delays.
Voting is now proceeding smoothly, peacefully and briskly at the overwhelming majority of polling stations, the commission said.
IEC Chief Electoral Officer Mosotho Moepya says the issues are being resolved.
“As of 11am, the final handful of voting stations which experienced delays were in the process of running. Only a few of those were still opening.”
EAST RAND
The East Rand appears to be the most affected area in Gauteng.
Some of the reported problems include incorrect ballot papers, limited voting booths and scanners not working.
Residents of Gugulethu say they will not allow themselves to be intimidated and are determined to vote despite the unrest in the area.
Voting is progressing slowly in the informal settlement this afternoon following disruptions and delays at two polling stations this morning.
Police managed to restore calm in the area after a group of angry residents prevented other community members from voting.
One woman says the community believes ANC President Jacob Zuma can deliver what he's promised them.
“I believe that things can change, we just need Zuma to step up. We have faith in Zuma and it is now up to him. He is the only one who can change things for us.”
But another woman says several residents have lost faith in the ANC government.
“The government doesn’t act and that is the problem.”
The voting station that was burned down on Monday has been replaced.
At the only other polling station in the area this afternoon, less than 20 people queued to cast their ballots.
Meanwhile, some voting stations in Benoni opened late and many people reported scanners weren't working.
IEC officials say their vote still counts, even if their ID books haven't been scanned.
Ekurhuleni Mayor Mondli Gungubele who voted in Boksburg earlier says problems are being attended to.
“We hope the IEC will attend to all the defects. We still have confidence in them to actually handle this.”
Meanwhile, there are long queues outside the Baptist church in Benoni.
The line is moving quickly with people coming out of the voting station taking pictures of their thumbs which have been inked, indicating they've made their mark.
RETHABISENG
In Rethabiseng, residents have come out in their numbers to vote at stations situated across the informal settlement.
Residents in Bronkhorstspruit earlier this year protested over poor service delivery and burnt down a local clinic.
Taxis parked outside polling stations are sporting ANC colours and posters of Zuma.
Despite February’s violent protests, residents say the ruling party does have support.
CULLINAN
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) supporters are stationed at the several polling venues in Cullinan, saying Julius Malema is the future.
Donning red berets and carrying posters of the EFF leader, supporters are still campaigning in the area.
Malema cast his ballot in Limpopo earlier in the day together with his grandmother.
Voting was quick and easy as only a couple of hundred people were registered at each centre.
SANDTON
Scores of people are still hoping to make their mark at Sandton Fire Station this afternoon.
Voters standing in the very long queue say they want their voices to be heard and that's why they voting.
As people wait, many say they are optimistic about South Africa's future.
Some people are also taking selfies of their thumbs while some are taking pictures with the IEC banner, proving that they voted in the polls.
MAMELODI
Voting in Mamelodi appears to be running smoothly, with lots of traffic at polling stations which are processing people relatively quickly.
Citizens of all ages say they appreciate the opportunity to participate in South Africa’s democracy.
Twenty years into democracy, Vusi Ntuli urged young people not take this hard-earned freedom for granted.
“We never had this opportunity to vote. The country is in their hands, they are the ones who must take it forward. They must make use of their vote to elect their leaders.”
Kagiso Letole says he’s grateful for the sacrifice his parents made.
Residents said they were satisfied with how the IEC was handling the elections.
