Hammanskraal #ElectionDay short of ink

Dozens of aggrieved voters in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria, where voting was yet to take place by 8am.

Pretoria - Dozens of aggrieved voters gathered at Lehwelenreng Secondary School in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria, where voting was yet to take place by 8am.

Residents in Ward 49 braved the cold and started queuing at the school as early as 5am.

“It's almost three hours while I've been here. I arrived at 5am and nothing has happened. Some people even went back home because we haven't voted yet,” said Ronald Sease.

He said Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) officials told them that ink used to mark voters' thumbs was yet to be delivered.

“We asked what the problem was and they said they were waiting for the ink to arrive. It's an inconvenience,” said Sease.

An IEC official who asked not to be named, told Independent Media that they were not certain as to what caused the delay, but said voting in the ward would commence soon.

“We are still waiting for ink, sealing tape, and stamps. I don't know what happened and why they are not here, but voters will be able to vote as soon they are delivered,” said the official.

Another voter said he was slightly annoyed by the delay but remained hopeful that voting would commence soon.

“I am annoyed. But I know we'll vote so I am not too upset about it,” said Matome Nyalungu.

He said he believed his vote would contribute to change in his community and improve the lives of residents.

“I am voting today so that we can see change. We need a clinic in the area and tarred roads. I hope my vote will help in that regard,” said Nyalungu.

Elections Bureau

tankiso.makhetha@inl.co.za