The old saying is the personal is political, and this year South Africans showed some affection for their loved ones as they headed for the polls. Couples, parents, kids, and grandparents braved some cold weather to make their mark together with all the feels.
Voting stations across South Africa featured youngsters waiting patiently in queues as their parents edged one step closer to casting their ballot. On the whole, giving a kid their first observation of a voting experience is probably a good thing. Unless that kid blurts out who their parent is voting for. In the case of one parent, it seems their may have been some cringe involved when their vote became not-so-secret.
But it’s usually a good idea to let the kids in on the fun. Especially if they smile like this.
When the kids are young, it’s the parents who clutch their hands tightly, guiding them through the queues. But at some point, the young become more adult and walk their elders through the voting process.
We have made our mark, women leading by example at Mvezo Komkhulu #celebratingwomen #womensmonth #elections2016 #imbhokodo #asinavalo
A photo posted by Nkosi Zwelivelile (@nkosizwelivelile) on
Feeling incredibly proud taking my 92 year old grandmother to cast her vote if she can do it in a wheelchair then anyone can! #IEC #southafrica #elections2016
A photo posted by Emily (@emsillyariane) on
In some instances, it seemed to be a case of the couple who votes together stays together! …Or at least they hope. Voting paved the way for some romance, and even a thumb war, which is really just a metaphor for South African politians vying for the vote.
Made our mark! #elections #elections2016 #proudlysouthafrican #southafrica
A photo posted by Raksha Nagaser (@rakshanagaser) on
It’s time for thumbwars!!! Guess what we did today. #voting #southafrican #thumbwar #thumbwars #thumbwrestling #wevoted #couplegoals #boyfriendandgirlfriend #relationshipgoals #votesouthafrica #elections2016 @ock_star27
A video posted by Sherize (@_sherize_) on
An sibling rivalry? Forget about it. Sisterhood is on fleek, even at the polls.
Just voted for the third time with the sister #ivoted #localgovernment #elections #southafrica #zuidafrika #iec #elections2016
A photo posted by Fay (@thecocob92) on
While some may say South Africa has gone to the dogs, election day has gone smoothly enough to say not all hope should be lost. Even the dogs seem to think so.
We voted! Did you?!? #vote #elections2016 #southafrica
A photo posted by Kelly Hart-Davies (@kellyhartdavies) on