I’m using this holiday to pay bills - non-voter

It was business as usual for shoppers in Lenasia, with some saying they were not interested in going to the polls.

Lenasia - It was business as usual for shoppers at Trade Route Mall in Lenasia milled around the shops buying groceries or clothes.

Some said they were not interested in going to the voting stations and would rather spend the day doing shopping. Others were busy watched their children as they were playing games.

Among them was Nomfundo Mkhize, who said: “I’m using this opportunity to pay my bills. I know President Jacob Zuma declared this day as a public holiday, it's my right to use it the way I want. I don’t think going to the voting station will help me, politicians are only thinking about enriching themselves.”

But Mzwakhe Majola felt it was important for him to vote. He said he couldn't wait to knock off at 3pm and go and cast his vote.

“This local government election is very important. I want to vote to make sure that the DA does not take over Johannesburg,” said Majola, who is from Orange Farm.

At the nearby township of Lehae, ANC struggle songs reverberated from the speakers. Residents danced to the songs in the streets while youth wearing ANC T-shirts conducted door-to-door visits persuading people to go and vote.

They organised transport for sick or old people who are unable to walk to the voting station. Some trickled to the voting station and checked their names in the list before they stood in the long queues.

An old woman who did not want to be named struggled as she walked with the aid of a walking stick: “My knees are very sore, but I had to come here and vote. It’s the only way make my voice to be heard. This is the opportunity for me to choose a party of my choice.

Party agents kept a watchful eye as the voters went into the voting booths to vote.

In Protea Glen, Soweto, voting went smoothly. But some debated while standing in the queue about who would be the right candidate to put in power.

One voter said: “The ANC has been in power for too long, its time for another political party to take over. That is why they have become so arrogant. This time I’m going to vote for another party. I’m still deciding [which one].”

Another voter replied: “It’s your choice. I’m going to vote for the political party that liberated us. Our children don’t have to endure the discrimination our forefathers went through because of apartheid.”

The Star