ELECTION DAY WRAP | Elections 2024 done and dusted: protests, a fatality, technical glitches but a greater turnout than in 2019

What's happening on the ground in South Africa's 2024 general elections

29 May 2024 - 00:00 By TimesLIVE
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Supporters sing and dance as they wait to vote near the KwaMashu hostel
Supporters sing and dance as they wait to vote near the KwaMashu hostel
Image: Motshwari Mofokeng

May 29 2024 - 23:26

South Africans vote with vigour as impressive turnout is predicted

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is expecting the voter turnout for the national and provincial elections on Wednesday to surpass the 66% achieved in May 2019.

May 29 2024 - 22:43

Hammanskraal voters hopeful their votes will earn them clean water

Voters in Hammanskraal, Gauteng, cast their votes in hope that their water issues which spans more than a decade would be resolved.

May 29 2024 - 22:03

IN PICS | TimesLIVE photographers captured 10 of the best images from election day

As South Africans went out in their numbers to vote on Wednesday, TimesLIVE photographers captured the electorate's mood.

May 29 2024 - 21:20

‘Here we don’t read about poverty in newspapers, we live it,’ say Kya Sands residents who still use bucket toilets

When one hears the name Kya Sands it's easy to imagine a beachy or sandy area with palm trees and opulence all around, but for residents of the Kya Sands informal settlement, poverty and suffering is all that surrounds them. 

May 29 2024 - 21:20

Long queues at Durban voting stations just before polls close

Thirty minutes before the polls close at 9pm, voters in Durban were still standing in long queues at Albert Park, Durban City Hall and Addington Primary School.

May 29 2024 - 20:30

'I remember voting Mandela, Mbeki and Zuma into power, but now I'm lost,' says 'hopeless' Kliptown resident

While disillusionment appeared to define the mood among some Kliptown residents, others are putting faith in new political parties that inspire a sense of renewal and hope.

May 29 2024 - 20:26

All voters in queues will be allowed to vote as IEC rules out second voting day

South Africans queuing at voting stations around the country will be allowed to cast their ballots after the 9pm closing time.

May 29 2024 - 20:30

Aerial view of a voting station in the Durban city centre. The beginning of the queue isn't visible and neither is the end, but this is how many people are still waiting to vote. 

May 29 2024 - 20:29

Eastern Cape IEC officials quit amid intimidation claims

Intimidation of Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) staff in Ntabankulu in the Eastern Cape has led to the resignation of officials at two voting stations.

May 29 2024 - 19:55

Political leaders proud as their children cast first votes

Political leaders shared the proud moments when their children made their way to the polls to cast their votes for the first time.

May 29 2024 - 19:40

It was a ‘hard decision’ but ActionSA wins NomaRally’s vote

After T-shirt swapping, moving from stadium to stadium, carefully listening to what political parties had to say in their manifestos, KwaZulu-Natal's rally queen Thembeka Dliwako, dubbed NomaRally, on Wednesday announced ActionSA had won her vote. 

May 29 2024 - 19:33

Row over voters who came, queued and got the ANC T-shirt

Police were called to Glebelands hostel when a commotion broke out between members of the MK Party and the ANC at the Umlazi hostel.

May 29 2024 - 19:11

Delays at polling stations may be tactic to extend voting by a day, says Malema

EFF leader Julius Malema has appealed to the electoral commission (IEC) to “speed up” the process of voting as he lamented the long queues at polling stations around the country.

May 29 2024 - 19:05

Nqaba Bhanga makes his mark for ANC

ANC member Nqaba Bhanga said his vote was for the people of Palestine as he made his mark at Ebongweni Primary School in Gqeberha on Wednesday.

May 29 2024 - 19:00

WATCH LIVE | IEC briefs media

The Electoral Commission of South Africa will brief media on it's operations and political party meetings.

May 29 2024 - 18:50

Man killed after allegedly shooting at police near Schauderville voting station

Police shot dead a man who allegedly opened fire on them near a voting station in Schauderville in Gqeberha on Wednesday.

May 29 2024 - 18:41

Some voters bring food for toddlers as hundreds wait to vote in Joburg CBD

After being unemployed for 12 years, mother of two Rina Pita braced a seven-hour wait to vote at the Gauteng legislature in the Johannesburg CBD on Wednesday.

May 29 2024 - 18:27

Lenasia youth snub voting for gambling

Some youth in Lenasia, south of Johannesburg, say while they registered to vote they won't cast their votes on Wednesday because they have not decided who to vote for.

May 29 2024 - 18:17

WATCH LIVE | Elections 2024 low-down from results centre

Sowetan editor Nwabisa Makunga is at the Electoral Commission of South Africa's national results centre in Midrand, Johannesburg. Tonight she speaks to data analyst Michael O’Donavan and journalists Noxolo Sibiya and Koena Mashale.

May 29 2024 - 17:59

IN PICS | Rise Mzansi's Gauteng premier candidate makes her mark

Rise Mzansi's Gauteng premier candidate made her X in Wendywood, Johannesburg, on Wednesday.

May 29 2024 - 17:52

Students stuck in long voting queues at universities

Out with the old and in with the new is what some Midrand voters want as they cast their votes for a new governing party to grow the economy, end corruption and create jobs.

May 29 2024 - 17:25

Time to boot out the old and welcome in the new, say Midrand's young voters

Out with the old and in with the new is what some Midrand voters want as they cast their votes for a new governing party to grow the economy, end corruption and create jobs.

May 29 2024 - 17:18

Malema speaks about the violence in Juju Valley recently and says the EFF ran a "clean campaign", even "in the face of provocation".

May 29 2024 - 16:37

Minister of electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa casts his vote at Seaparankwe Primary School in Atteridgeville.

May 29 2024 - 16:22

DA's KZN leader and IEC official in stand-off over media at voting station

KwaZulu-Natal DA leader Francois Rodgers' voting was blighted by a stand-off with the Electoral Commission's presiding officer at the All Saints church in Pietermaritzburg, who barred media from taking photos of Rodgers in the polling station.

May 29 2024 - 16:01

IN PICS: KZN premier recalls 1994 elections 'triumph' as she votes

KwaZulu-Natal premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube made a renewed appeal for citizens to vote on Wednesday.

Dube-Ncube was speaking after casting her vote at the Nkulisabantu Primary School polling station in KwaMashu north of Durban.

May 29 2024 - 15:50

Residents of Randburg suburb hit by incessant power cuts vote in numbers

Residents of Bromhof, the Randburg suburb that has been plagued by electricity and water outages, headed out in droves on Wednesday to cast their votes.

The queue at the Church on Tin Road snaked down the street, lengthening and shortening as the hours passed. Across the road under a tree, a vendor sat behind a makeshift stall selling mugs of coffee and cappuccinos, muffins, energy drinks, vetkoek and polony.

May 29 2024 - 15:49

MAKHUDU SEFARA | An ode to the change-makers, those who raise their hands to do something

As many went out to cast their votes across the vast expanse of our beautiful land this morning, a debt of gratitude is owed to those who decided to raise their hands and who, genuinely, want to serve.

We usually lump politicians into one basket, label them the “scum” of the earth for the many challenges spawned by their involvement in public life. If you add to the fact that we view with suspicion all those who want access to the nation’s till, we often don’t question if the baby must be thrown out with the bath water. 

May 29 2024 - 15:34

Julius Malema joins long queue to vote, endorses integrity of the IEC

“Is he standing behind us,” squealed an excited voter as EFF leader Julius Malema joined the snaking queue at a Seshego primary school in Limpopo on election day.

Malema was joined by his wife Mantoa Matlala and the party's Godrich Gardee at Mponegele Lower Primary School on Wednesday afternoon to cast his vote. He arrived at 12 noon and by 2.20pm, he and his entourage had not yet got to the front of the queue.

May 29 2024 - 15:30

LISTEN | Fed up youth use their vote to punish the ANC

The common sentiment among young voters at the John Orr Technical High School voting centre in Milpark, Johannesburg, is that the governing party must dip below 50% for it to deliver on its promises.

May 29 2024 - 15:29

Independent candidate Zackie Achmat survived five hijacking attempts in six months while on campaign trail

ndependent candidate and social justice leader Zackie Achmat has survived five attempted hijackings in six months while on the campaign trail, he said at his Cape Town apartment on Wednesday.

“People live in terror (in the townships),” said 62-year-old Achmat, who wants more support for neighbourhood watches, which help keep communities safe — among other priorities in his “Equality for All” campaign.

“After lunch yesterday (Tuesday) we were on our way to the Cyril Ramaphosa settlement in Philippi and were turning around to meet someone, when two guys ran at us with their guns out.”

May 29 2024 - 15:26

‘Give us more time to serve you’, Lesufi asks Gauteng residents as he reflects on 18 months as premier

Gauteng premier and ANC provincial chair Panyaza Lesufi on Wednesday said he needs more time to continue his work in the province.

He said he has achieved a lot in the 18 months he has spent at the helm. 

May 29 2024 - 15:04

IEC update: voting running smoothly, delays at some stations

The IEC reported a smooth start to the national and provincial elections on Wednesday morning, despite some hiccups at some stations.

“By 7am, 93% of the network of 23,292 voting stations were reported open, both physically and online. The remainder opened within an hour,” deputy chief electoral officer Masego Sheburi said.

May 29 2024 - 14:49

Long queue for temporary documents at Randburg Home Affairs on election day

May 29 2024 - 14:34

Ubuntu at play as voters assist an elderly woman up the stairs to cast her vote

May 29 2024 - 14:33

Long queues of voters outside the Gauteng provincial legislature building in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
Long queues of voters outside the Gauteng provincial legislature building in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
Image: Thapelo Morebudi

May 29 2024 - 14:26

Diepsloot residents jump over sewage puddles as they head to voting stations

Thousands of people made their way through pollution and sewer leaks to Diepsloot Combined School to cast their votes on Wednesday morning.

In their coats, beanies, gloves and blankets, many huddled around fires lit by vendors outside the school selling food, vetkoek, tea and coffee to those who would be making their mark on ballot papers.

May 29 2024 - 13:46

Gayton McKenzie takes swipe at migrants as he casts his vote, Patricia de Lille hoping for high turnout

Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie cast his vote at a polling station in Kraaifontein, Cape Town, and afterwards said he had “good advice” for illegal foreigners in the country.

“They must start packing. Pack your bags, next week you won’t have much time to pack. It’s time to go home,” he said.

May 29 2024 - 13:43

Protesters keep five Eastern Cape voting stations closed

Five voting stations in the Eastern Cape remain closed. This was revealed by the IEC shortly after 12pm on Wednesday.

May 29 2024 - 13:34

WATCH | Jacob Zuma casts his vote in Nkandla

MK party leader Jacob Zuma received loud cheers as he made his way to the voting station in Nkandla, KZN.

Former president Jacob Zuma votes during the elections in Nkandla, KZN, on May 29, 2024.
Former president Jacob Zuma votes during the elections in Nkandla, KZN, on May 29, 2024.
Image: REUTERS/Rogan Ward

May 29 2024 - 13:21

WATCH | Mbeki votes at Killarney Country Club

May 29 2024 - 13:16

Excitement and disappointment at some Gqeberha polling stations

Eager to make their mark and hopefully usher in a new government, friends and first-time voters Ruby Kievit and Ashleigh-Faye Nortje were up early to queue at the Newton Technical High School in Gqeberha.

The mood was cheerful as voters chatted with one another. Some parents brought their children along, standing in a long queue outside the school at 8am.

May 29 2024 - 13:12

WATCH | Politicians cast their votes

Politicians from the ANC, DA, EFF, GOOD party and PA voted in the 2024 elections across South Africa on Wednesday.

ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa and his wife Dr Tshepo Motsepe vote at Hitekani Primary School in Chiawelo, Soweto, where he also addressed the media.
ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa and his wife Dr Tshepo Motsepe vote at Hitekani Primary School in Chiawelo, Soweto, where he also addressed the media.
Image: Thapelo Morebudi

May 29 2024 - 13:01

WATCH LIVE | IEC media briefing

May 29 2024 - 12:59

ActionSA to open case after representatives 'kidnapped, assaulted'

ActionSA says a case will be opened with police after one of its public representatives was kidnapped and assaulted on Tuesday night.

Sello Mabelebele was instructed by the perpetrators to quit politics, according to Funzi Ngobeni, the party's Gauteng premier candidate. Mabelebele was admitted to hospital overnight but has been discharged, Ngobeni said in a statement, adding he will visit the councillor on Wednesday afternoon after casting his vote in the general election.

He denounced the crime, saying: "The erosion of the rule of law has become increasingly evident, leaving millions of South Africans vulnerable and left to fend for themselves against this lawlessness. A case will be opened and action will be taken to ensure that those responsible for committing this heinous act are held accountable."

Ngobeni and ActionSA's youth forum chair Hluphi Gafane were hijacked early this month. He said no progress had been made in apprehending the culprits.

"Despite being provided with intel such as the identities of the suspects to the South African Police Service a day after the incident, zero arrests have been made and all my belongings, including my vehicle, are still at large." - TimesLIVE

May 29 2024 - 12:53

UPDATE | Bantu Holomisa finally able to vote

UDM leader Bantu Holomisa has finally cast his vote after being among several angry people who left the voting station at Mthatha Town Hall earlier after being told their names were not on the voters' roll.

May 29 2024 - 12:50

Long queues at home affairs in Randburg

May 29 2024 - 12:42

'I'll get your granny an Uber so she can vote': Presidency spokesperson

May 29 2024 - 12:40

IN PICS | TimesLIVE photographers capture election moments around SA

Some of the moments in Wednesday's national and provincial elections captured by TimesLIVE photographers around South Africa.

May 29 2024 - 12:37

Strike a pose

The turnout is strong at the Woodlands Primary School voting station in KwaZulu-Natal, where 1,667 people are registered.

The area is where Rise Mzansi's KwaZulu-Natal premier candidate Nonkululeko Hlongwane-Mhlongo grew up and where she is casting her vote. She says it's one of the highest turnouts she has seen, having visited other voting stations earlier to observe. – Lwazi Hlangu

Voters at Woodlands Primary School, where Rise Mzansi's KZN remier candidate Nonkululeko Hlongwane-Mhlongo is casting her vote.
Voters at Woodlands Primary School, where Rise Mzansi's KZN remier candidate Nonkululeko Hlongwane-Mhlongo is casting her vote.
Image: Lwazi Hlangu

May 29 2024 - 12:29

IEC warns of fake news from Modimolle, Limpopo

May 29 2024 - 12:27

Nelson Mandela Bay youths come out in numbers

Crowds of young first-time voters stood in long queues at voting stations in Nelson Mandela Bay on Wednesday, suggesting the youth vote may prove decisive in the outcome.

Expectations were high as youngsters descended on polling booths across the city.

May 29 2024 - 12:17

Long queues in Soshanguve

May 29 2024 - 12:12

Scenes from Ntolwane Primary in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal

Sizakele Zuma, wife of former president Jacob Zuma, votes in Nkandla on May 29 2024.
Sizakele Zuma, wife of former president Jacob Zuma, votes in Nkandla on May 29 2024.
Image: REUTERS/Rogan Ward

May 29 2024 - 12:09

If the shoe fits...

May 29 2024 - 12:08

Former president Thabo Mbeki arrives at Killarney Country Club to vote

May 29 2024 - 11:56

Cyril Ramaphosa explains presidential speech on eve of voting

President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended his Sunday address to the nation, saying he was closing off the sixth administration and providing an update on the state of readiness for the elections.

The address by Ramaphosa just days before the elections has become the subject of controversy, with opposition political parties accusing him of abusing his power as the head of state to campaign for his political party.

Speaking in Chiawelo, Soweto, after casting his vote on Wednesday, Ramaphosa said his address was not targeted at advancing the interests of a specific party but was highlighting what all South Africans had achieved during his term.

May 29 2024 - 11:52

Democracy is built brick by brick, and we learn as we do that: Motlanthe

Former president Kgalema Motlanthe expressed a wish for political stability, saying he has voted for the ANC.

“I am very happy and elated that I’ve cast my vote. This is every citizen’s responsibility and duty. I hope that we will create political stability which is a precondition for development so that we can focus on the real issues,” he said.

May 29 2024 - 11:51

S'bu Ndebele and John Steenhuisen arrive to vote at Durban school

It was slightly awkward at Northwood High School in KwaZulu-Natal when former ANC provincial chair and KwaZulu-Natal premier S'bu Ndebele arrived minutes before DA leader John Steenhuisen on Wednesday.

ANC supporters broke into song when Ndebele was ushered into the voting station to cast his ballot, but voters were more interested in Steenhuisen, who arrived with his party’s provincial top brass — provincial leader Francois Rodgers and premier candidate Chris Pappas — and his daughter Carolynn.

May 29 2024 - 11:46

eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda joins queue in Westville

Residents turned up in their numbers at Pitlochry Primary School in Westville, where eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda joined the queue.

Kaunda said he started the day by visiting KwaDukuza before arriving in Westville. “The numbers are looking good, it shows that people understand how to entrench our democracy,” he said.

On joining the queue with other voters, Kaunda said: “I am not a big boss, if you are a mayor you are a citizen, you need to join the queue like all other citizens who are voting.”

Kaunda, who was wearing an ANC T-shirt, said he was not campaigning. “As a voter I am allowed [to wear the ANC shirt] because I am not campaigning in the queue, I am just here to vote.” – Lwazi Hlangu

eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda and residents wait to vote at Pitlochry Primary School in Westville.
eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda and residents wait to vote at Pitlochry Primary School in Westville.
Image: Lwazi Hlangu

May 29 2024 - 11:28

LISTEN | Prisoners ‘vote for the society they want’: Lamola

Prisoners at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility were happy to exercise their right to vote on Wednesday, with hope of one day being able to re-enter a society better than the one they left.

The inmates, in their respective uniforms, queued inside the correctional facility to cast their votes.

May 29 2024 - 11:25

ANC will get a firm majority: Cyril Ramaphosa

ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa says he has no doubts that his party will emerge victorious in Wednesday's national and provincial elections.

Ramaphosa cast his vote at the Hitekani Primary School in Chiawelo, Soweto, where he grew up.

May 29 2024 - 11:23

Glitches cause delays at some voting stations in Nelson Mandela Bay

Voting got off to a slow and chilly start at several voting stations in New Brighton in Nelson Mandela Bay on Wednesday, with some glitches delaying the process — including a missing password.

At Ben Sinuka Primary School, where scores of voters lined up at the voting station, Electoral Commission (IEC) officials did not have the password to scan voters' IDs.

The presiding officer at the voting station, who declined to be named, said they had been trying to get hold of their colleagues to get the password.

May 29 2024 - 11:18

Gary van Niekerk votes for PA, ANC

Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Gary van Niekerk voted for the Patriotic Alliance and ANC on Wednesday as a lack of funding sunk any chance of his party competing in the elections.

May 29 2024 - 11:15

Voters rise early and flock to Nelson Mandela Bay voting stations

Thousands of Nelson Mandela Bay residents rushed to the polls early on Wednesday morning to cast their votes in the 2024 national elections.

For the most part it was smooth sailing, but there were a few glitches.

May 29 2024 - 11:08

WATCH | Cape Town mayor Georgin Hill-Lewis 'excited for change'

May 29 2024 - 11:06

WATCH | Your vote strengthens democracy: Mashatile

Deputy President Paul Mashatile called on South Africans to go out in their numbers to exercise their democratic right.

“I have cast my vote. This is where I always vote. I am pleased most voting stations throughout the country are open,” he said.

May 29 2024 - 11:00

PICS | DA's Steenhuisen casts vote in Durban

DA leader John Steenhuisen votes next to his daughter Caroline during the South African elections in Durban on May 29 2024.
DA leader John Steenhuisen votes next to his daughter Caroline during the South African elections in Durban on May 29 2024.
Image: REUTERS/Alaister Russell
John Steenhuisen, leader of the opposition Democratic Alliance, votes during in Durban on Wednesday.
John Steenhuisen, leader of the opposition Democratic Alliance, votes during in Durban on Wednesday.
Image: REUTERS/Alaister Russell

May 29 2024 - 10:49

Voting in Gqeberha's KwaDwesi runs smoothly despite protest threat

Despite threats of protests, voting in KwaDwesi, Gqeberha, went smoothly on Wednesday, with scores of young and old people arriving to cast their ballots.

A strong police presence ensured voters’ safety.

“I’m thrilled to be here today,” Palesa Payi said at the Sango Methodist Church.

May 29 2024 - 10:46

No cross, no moan, Melville voters say

At Melville's Melpark Primary School in Johannesburg, voting is merrily ticking along with no significant delays.

Fauzia Macamo, 23, is a first-time voter.

“I must admit I am a little scared. More anxious than scared. I did my research as much as I could, but I am worried that I will make the right choices today,” Macamo said.

May 29 2024 - 10:35

BREAKING | Bantu Holomisa turned away from voting station

UDM leader Bantu Holomisa was among many angry people who left the voting station at Mthatha Town Hall after being told their names were not on the voters' roll.

He told IEC officials he had voted at the same voting station during the 2021 local government elections and registered at the same station earlier this year.

May 29 2024 - 10:35

WATCH | Police minister Bheki Cele votes in Durban

Police minister Bheki Cele was upbeat after casting his vote at Lamontville High School in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, which opened slightly late on Wednesday.

“We are at Lamontville High where the queues are quite long. We have scanned the country this morning, and up to this point it doesn't look like we have a major problem, except somewhere in the Eastern Cape where one station has been closed and the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has withdrawn its staff,” Cele said.

May 29 2024 - 10:30

Voting shut down in Keiskammahoek over outstanding land claim payments

As elections kicked off on Wednesday, a small community in Keiskammahoek vowed not to vote — or let anyone else in the area do so — due to a dispute over millions of rand owed to them in land claims.

For the past two days, the community of Lower Zingcuka has been protesting, blocking access to the village and preventing special voting. It is one of nine voting stations disrupted by communities in the Eastern Cape to vent their grievances with the government.

May 29 2024 - 10:29

Ramaphosa arrives in Chiawelo to cast his vote

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived at Hitekani Primary School Chiawelo, Soweto, this morning to cast his vote.

May 29 2024 - 10:07

Voters queue in Masiphumelele, Cape Town

People queue to vote in the elections in Masiphumelele, Cape Town, on May 29 2024.
People queue to vote in the elections in Masiphumelele, Cape Town, on May 29 2024.
Image: REUTERS/Nic Bothma

May 29 2024 - 10:07

WATCH | Limpopo top cop at Juju Valley

Limpopo police commissioner Lt-Gen Thembi Hadebe arrives at the voting station in Juju Valley as voting continues. Two police nyalas have joined the contingent. Violence broke out in the area about a week ago between the EFF and ANC.

May 29 2024 - 10:02

WATCH |  Police minister on state of voting station across SA

Police minister Bheki Cele gave an update on Wednesday morning as to the preparedness of the police during the elections.

May 29 2024 - 10:01

EXPLAINER | Will SA have a new government or president after election?

South Africans vote in national and provincial elections on May 29 with opinion polls suggesting the governing ANC will lose its majority for the first time in the democratic era, while remaining the largest party.

Under SA's constitution, voters elect 400 members of the National Assembly, who then elect the president by a simple majority. In all previous elections since 1994, the ANC won and lawmakers elected the party's leader as president.

Here are scenarios that could unfold this time, depending on the electoral maths.

May 29 2024 - 09:58

'Life is better now': Voter in Polokwane celebrates 30 years of freedom

Election day was off to a peaceful start in Juju Valley in Limpopo as residents came out in their numbers to cast their vote.

A queue had formed an hour into voting as young and old exercised their democratic right.

There was some police presence at the SpiritWind International Ministries Church more than a week after a violent clash erupted in the area. More than a dozen officers could be seen engaged in intense discussions with IEC officials amid voting.

May 29 2024 - 09:55

Motlanthe casts his vote in Killarney

Former deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe has arrived at the Killarney Country Club in Johannesburg to cast his vote. He is the first of two former state heads expected at this particular voting station today.

May 29 2024 - 09:53

What are you voting for?

May 29 2024 - 09:44

Back us for our track record: DA's Alan Winde

Western Cape premier Alan Winde, who is also the DA’s premier candidate, joined a long queue at Jan van Riebeeck Hoërskool in Tamboerskloof on Wednesday.

Winde was accompanied by his wife Tracy and children Jason and Lauren, a first-time voter.

May 29 2024 - 09:36

Deputy President Paul Mashatile votes at Sandton polling station

May 29 2024 - 09:35

Were you there 30 years ago?

May 29 2024 - 09:26

One dead, 6 injured as vehicle bearing ANC banner rolls in Umhlanga

Paramedics responded to a fatal crash in the Umhlanga area north of Durban on Wednesday in which a vehicle with seven occupants bearing an ANC banner rolled several times before coming to a stop.

Garrith Jamieson of ALS Paramedics said they arrived at the single-vehicle crash on the M41 joining the M4 southbound just after 7.30am to find multiple patients needing treatment.

May 29 2024 - 09:15

Inanda voters want change and opportunities

Voters in Inanda, north of Durban, braved a chilly morning to queue at Ohlange High School, where the country’s first democratic president Nelson Mandela cast his vote.

Former uMkhonto we Sizwe soldier Thowakhe Zondi said: “Voting is one of our rights which we should not be taking for granted.”

May 29 2024 - 09:05

74,000 people used website to find their political party match

About 74,000 people used a website to find a party that represents some of their political and economic ideologies for which they could vote in today's elections.

Yoh Vote, a South African application and website founded in August 2023, provides comprehensive information about political parties, making it easier for users to understand what each party stands for and how they plan to address key issues facing the country. Essentially the platform helps users find their political match, making the process of choosing a party fun and informative.

May 29 2024 - 09:03

Tips for first-time voters

May 29 2024 - 09:02

Residents of Eshowe in KZN have their say

May 29 2024 - 08:54

WATCH | Joburg voter explains her reason for voting as delays at stations cause frustration

A voter in Alexandra spoke with TimesLIVE about her reason for voting today.

May 29 2024 - 08:50

Voting under way at Sandton polling station

May 29 2024 - 08:50

Ballots arrive late at Alexandra polling station

Voters queue outside the 3Square Grounds polling station at 13th Avenue in Alexandra, Johannesburg, shortly before 8am.
Voters queue outside the 3Square Grounds polling station at 13th Avenue in Alexandra, Johannesburg, shortly before 8am.
Image: Phathu Luvhengo

May 29 2024 - 08:47

Maimane vs Steenhuisen: Shots fired on social media

May 29 2024 - 08:43

Western Cape premier Alan Winde casts his vote

Western Cape premier Alan Winde and family walked past hundreds of people, and a golden labrador, to join the back of the voting queue in the corridors of Jan van Riebeeck Hoërskool in central Cape Town on Wednesday morning.

“Fifty percent plus one,” he said, when asked what he hoped for in the Western Cape election.

After casting his vote in Cape Town, he will visit Paarl, Wellington and other small towns in the Drakenstein region, before dropping in on the South Peninsula and Mitchell’s Plain. – Claire Keeton

Western Cape premier Alan Winde and his family joined the back of the voting queue in the corridors of Jan van Riebeeck Hoërskool in Cape Town on Wednesday morning.
Western Cape premier Alan Winde and his family joined the back of the voting queue in the corridors of Jan van Riebeeck Hoërskool in Cape Town on Wednesday morning.
Image: Claire Keeton

May 29 2024 - 08:31

Diepsloot voters frustrated

May 29 2024 - 08:29

Delays at Alexandra voting station

TimesLIVE reporter Phathu Luvhengo is in Alexandra, Johnanesburg, at the 3Square Grounds polling station, where an IEC official has just informed voters — some of whom arrived as early as 6am — that the system is down, causing a delay.

May 29 2024 - 08:01

Nelly Khubeka highlights the importance of voting

May 29 2024 - 08:00

Manicured nails? Here’s how to deal with the indelible ink after voting

The Electoral Commission of South Africa says having freshly manicured nails won't prevent anyone from voting, and nail technicians have offered tips and tricks for those wanting to deal with the indelible ink on fingernails.

May 29 2024 - 07:58

Calls for more grant aid at Tshwane voting station

Esther Masindi woke up at 5am and walked in the dark to her voting station at Mahlahle Primary School in Saulsville, Tshwane. Wearing a brown jacket and a face mask, she was second in the queue. 

May 29 2024 - 07:47

Arrests for voter intimidation, election disruptions

Election-related arrests have been made in Limpopo, the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

May 29 2024 - 07:46

DR INA GOUWS | Community-based governance: Let your vote help your community

Community-based governance requires a partnership between civil society, business and government, writes Dr Ina Gouws.

May 29 2024 - 07:15

WATCH LIVE | SABC News election coverage

Courtesy of SABC News

May 29 2024 - 07:03

South Africans start voting in election that could see ANC lose majority

South Africans started voting on Wednesday in an election that could mark a big political shift if the governing ANC loses its majority as opinion polls suggest.

Voters are electing nine provincial legislatures and a new national parliament, which will then choose the country's next president. If the ANC gets less than 50% of the national vote, it will have to seek one or more coalition partners to govern the country, the first such alliance in the 30 years since it swept to power with Nelson Mandela as its leader at the end of apartheid.

Voting stations opened at 7am and will close at 9pm, with more than 27-million people registered to vote out of a population of roughly 62-million.

The Electoral Commission of Aouth Africa is expected to start releasing partial results within hours of voting stations closing. The commission has seven days to announce final results. — Reuters

May 29 2024 - 07:00

Voting is officially open: IEC

May 29 2024 - 06:47

Election day will be free of load-shedding: Ramokgopa and Eskom

Electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and Eskom have offered assurances that no load-shedding will be implemented on Wednesday.

May 29 2024 - 06:26

You can get free stuff if you vote, Joburg high school teacher advises reluctant teen voters

Coffee, a doughnut, a pint of beer — these are some of the incentives businesses are offering for free as an enticement to South Africans to vote. 

Northcliff High School history teacher Simone Allen, who is passionate about educating young people about the importance of voting, doesn’t lose out on an opportunity to encourage them — and has taken this passion to social media.

May 28 2024 - 21:45

WILLIAM GUMEDE | Why black solidarity voting will not bring development

Unless voters stop voting on the apartheid past, but on the present, South Africa will continue to decline Zimbabwe-like, says William Gumede

May 28 2024 - 21:38

EDITORIAL | Whatever happens, the outcome of our polls will be historic

South Africans once again stand at the crossroads of their democratic journey and have the opportunity to shape the future and make history. 

May 28 2024 - 21:37

High court temporarily ‘reinstates’ thresholds, limits on party donations

The Western Cape High Court has reinstated the limits and thresholds for political parties to declare funding from private donors until new thresholds have been determined.

The court has also slammed parliament for failure to propose amounts to President Cyril Ramaphosa to consider in making the determinations.

A voting station sign at a school in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg. South Africa's national and provincial elections are being held on May 29 2024 to elect a new National Assembly and provincial legislature in each of the nine provinces.
A voting station sign at a school in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg. South Africa's national and provincial elections are being held on May 29 2024 to elect a new National Assembly and provincial legislature in each of the nine provinces.
Image: Chris McGrath/Getty Images

May 28 2024 - 21:36

Prospect of coalition rule leaves property developers uncertain

Property stakeholders expressed concern in a discussion about what post-election scenarios — including an ANC-EFF coalition government — could do to the market. 

Developers, fund managers and political commentators shared ideas during a webinar last Wednesday about the implications for the property sector after the country votes.

May 28 2024 - 21:35

South Africans go to the polls to choose a new government: what’s different this time

Political scientist Dirk Kotze gives an insight into the new electoral law and what it means for the ballot paper and voters

May 28 2024 - 21:34

OPINION | Governed by her inferiors? Could never be this Gen Z voter

Voting is a potent civic engagement tool, a way to shape the future and a way to remember those who gave their lives defending this freedom, writes Sisanda Mgojo.

May 28 2024 - 21:33

Mayibuye! The 100-year-old slogan that’s stirred up divisions in the elections

By using the symbolic and historical resources of the slogan, the MK Party challenges the struggle credentials of the ANC and its messaging, writes Corinne Sandwith.

May 28 2024 - 21:14

IEC flags 'orchestrated' plan to undermine credibility of elections

IEC head Sy Mamabolo said 937,144 votes were cast over the two-day special voting period, a significant increase from the 2019 elections

May 28 2024 - 20:21

Ramaphosa deploys 2,828 soldiers to maintain order during elections

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday announced the deployment of 2,828 National Defence Force (SANDF) members to work with police in preventing and combating crime during the elections. 

May 28 2024 - 20:00

WATCH | 'Future is in your hands': Lady Du and other celebs urge fans to vote

Some celebrities have urged their followers to vote on Wednesday. While many personalities have affiliated themselves with specific political parties and politicians, comedian David Kau expressed the importance of voting, saying he did not care to persuade his followers to make a specific decision.

May 28 2024 - 19:53

WATCH | Suspensions for cop and off-duty member in party gear who gets picked up in police van

Two KwaZulu-Natal policemen have been removed from election deployment after provincial commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi ordered the pair face disciplinary action for allegedly breaching their code of conduct.

In a widely circulated video, a police officer is seen picking up an off-duty colleague — who is wearing uMkhonto we Sizwe party regalia — in a Sundumbili-branded police van from a polling station.

May 28 2024 - 18:11

Elderly turned away for special votes in Pretoria not deterred and adamant they will come back

Elderly people in Saulsville who could not cast their vote during the second and final day of special voting on Tuesday said they would come back to their voting stations on Wednesday, along with all the other members of the public. 

On Tuesday, TimesLIVE Premium visited voting stations in Saulsville as people cast their votes at their respective voting stations and some at home.

May 28 2024 - 17:48

WATCH | Hillbrow residents vote in dirt

Voters who cast their special votes in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, on Tuesday had to tiptoe around rubbish, as the streets were filled with litter.

May 28 2024 - 14:13

KZN 'combat ready' for election with boats, cars and choppers: Mkhwanazi

KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi says all election material will be accompanied by a police escort to avoid “unfortunate” incidents.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa on Sunday said it was concerned by videos circulating on social media posted by MK Party supporters alleging vote rigging in progress. 

May 28 2024 - 13:27

Elderly voters in Pretoria hoping for lower municipal rates and taxes

The cost of living was top of mind for elderly people in Saulsville, Pretoria, who cast their special votes on Tuesday.

Lilly Ndou, who voted at the Mahlahle polling centre, called for lower municipal rates and taxes for pensioners from the new administration, saying "we are struggling".

The 73-year-old plans to spend Wednesday visiting her late husband's grave as she said she wants to be with him. 

May 28 2024 - 12:48

MK Party heads to polls without legally recognised presidential candidate as it sticks with barred Zuma

When the MK Party contests elections for the first time on Wednesday, it will do so without having a legally recognised presidential candidate, after its leader, Jacob Zuma, was ruled ineligible to stand in the polls by the Constitutional Court.

Last week, the apex court ruled Zuma could not stand for election because he was sentenced in 2021 to a 15-month jail term without the option of a fine for being in contempt of court.

The party has not announced a candidate to replace Zuma as its presidential candidate or fill his first spot on the party’s parliamentary candidate list. 

May 28 2024 - 12:00

POLL | Which party is getting your X on Wednesday?

While Wednesday's election has been dubbed one of South Africa's most important since the 1994 democratic polls, many people are still trying to decide which party deserves their vote.

Voters have had front-row seats, watching with enthusiasm as parties campaigned trying to convince people to let them govern the country.

May 27 2024 - 17:32

IN PICS | KZN pensioners cast special votes as they cling to hope of being given land

In wheelchairs, with walkers and on crutches, Durban pensioners were optimistic about the future as they cast their special votes at the Zibambeleni Old Age Home in Claremont. 

Speaking to TimesLIVE Premium, they said while they had enjoyed the fruits of democracy, political leaders had their work cut out for them if they wished to transform lives.

May 27 2024 - 10:42

IN PICS | Special votes being cast in 2024 general elections

Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) officials are also visiting homes and care institutions for those who require assistance.

The IEC has, in collaboration with the South African National Council for the Blind, developed the universal ballot template for blind and partially-sighted people, people with an unsteady hand, the elderly and people with motor and nervous conditions which do not allow a steady hand.

May 27 2024 - 20:34

Day 1 of special votes sees low turnout with a few hiccups

With more than 1.6-million people registered to cast special votes, a small percentage made their way to voting stations on Monday to be among the first to make their crosses for the parties of their choice.

At least 230,000 voters had marked their ballot papers by the afternoon as the Electoral Commission kicked off the first day of special votes between 9am and 5pm, which will continue on Tuesday.

TimesLIVE


May 29 2024 - 14:30

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