They might be on opposite sides of the fence but the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) leader, Reverend Kenneth Meshoe and Chairperson of the African National Congress (ANC) Gwede Mantashe took some time to tease each other about their respective political parties.
“I was trying to do last minute campaigning, because the ANC has messed up. It cannot clean its mess up that’s why Gwede must join the ACDP…I wish you well,” says Meshoe in Boksburg.
@A_C_D_P leader @RevMeshoe cast his vote in Sunward Park in Ekurhuleni…. #VoteACDP#Elections2019
# pic.twitter.com/HpUkIwvf3B— Tlotliso Mphuthi ?????? (@TlotlisoM_) May 8, 2019
The two opposing party leaders wished each other well before the announcement of results. Meshoe and his family marked their X on the ballot paper and encouraged South Africans to empower themselves by doing the same.
“To all those who have not voted, we say, use your power to vote.”
Mantashe took a tour around various voting stations within the Boksburg area. Mantashe who is certain of victory for his party says he was satisfied with the smooth process of voting.
“People are going to be shocked; we are addressing every concern, people are confident enough to vote ANC.”
[Watch] Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe casts his vote at Boksburg Primary School in Freeway Park, Gauteng pic.twitter.com/932NHCb3FW
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) May 8, 2019
In Plettenberg Bay in the Southern Cape voting proceeded well despite overnight protests as local residents barricaded the N2 over service delivery. However, this did not deter voters from turning out to cast their votes.
One of them was outgoing Democratic Alliance (DA) Western Cape Premier Helen Zille who voted in the nearby town of Knysna. Zille says she is not yet sure of her plans for the future, but it might be to retire in her constituency of Knysna.
“The bottom line is that we have been on holiday in this beautiful part of the world for a very long time. I love this part of the world; I love these people in this part of the world. It’s been wonderful working in this constituency; especially ward four with fabulous people and colleagues. It’s really been fantastic.”
Outgoing Western Cape premier, @helenzille arriving at Chris Nissen Primary School in White Location, Knysna to cast her vote #SAElections2019 #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/3w1ziC3E4D
— Sphiwe Hobasi (@MrCow_man) May 8, 2019
Voting in Pretoria earlier, United Democratic Movement (UDM) leader Bantu Holomisa encouraged South Africans to show their gratitude for democracy by coming out in their numbers to vote.
“It’s always good to get this opportunity to participate in developing this project called democracy of South Africa and I’m happy that I’m going to vote today and I see that the lines are getting longer, it’s gratifying to see that people are supporting this project.”
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