By Mncedisi Maseko
x: @fmsquared_sa
The 2024 national election marks 30 years into South African
democracy since 1994, and it signals a period of unpredictable and potential
change.
Soshanguve residents gathered to commemorate this day by voting at their designated voting stations. At BabinaPhuthi secondary school block ff, people from the ages 18 and above went there to cast their votes and get their voices heard.
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| BabinaPhuthi Secondary School block ff Soshanguve, IEC voting station. Credit: Mncedisi Maseko |
Voters who were voting for the first time and where not from around Pretoria where disadvantaged as most of them could not vote due to the Section 24A rule under Electoral Commission (IEC), which states that a voter may vote outside of the voting district where registered on voting day, 29 May 2024, but needs to notify the Electoral Commission before voting day during the period specified in the Election Timetable. That period for the 2024 elections is 15 March 2024 to 17 May 2024.
Leago, a student at the voting station, expressed his frustration, "Section 24 was never supposed to be introduced at this time. Due to this, we can't vote even though we registered, and they didn't inform us about this in time. As a first-time voter, I'm really disappointed and angered by this section because now I cannot vote."
This saw a lot of young people , mostly students being
unable to vote as they did not alert or notify the IEC about their change of
location.
Mpho Precious, One of the IEC agents further explains how
the section 24a works like. “If ever your staying in Mpumalanga or Soweto and
in that time you cannot go back home to vote you are in a different location,
you have to apply under section 24a so that the nearest station your going to
vote at, the put you in their system in that location and be able to vote but
voting using one ballot paper which is national.”
Most young voters where delighted to vote for the first time
and some were even confused as to what party to vote for and what to expect
inside the voting station.
Thabo Mashego, a young and a first-time voter shares his
feelings before heading to the voting station. “I am so excited to vote, and
this is actually my first time and honestly speaking I don’t even know which
party I am going to vote for, but I guess I will see when I get inside my brain
will tell me which box to put my X in.”
Excitement filled the air as residents exercised their
democratic rights, embodying the spirit of change and participation in shaping
the nation's future.
African National congress party Agents with the Economic Freedom fighters where outside the gate on most voting stations around Soshanguve, making sure that they recruit as much people as they can to join their parties and vote for them.
The South African Police Service where also present to make
sure that elections where running smooth without any disturbance or destruction
from people trying to disrupt the process. Their presence ensured that the
elections proceeded smoothly, free from any interference or disturbance.
The 2024 election marks 30 years of South African democracy.
Despite enthusiasm, Section 24A caused frustration among first-time voters.
Party agents sought support outside polling stations, while police ensured
smooth proceedings. Overall, voters showed excitement and commitment to shaping
the nation's future.
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