Each party has laid on a spread of piping hot coffee and thick chunks of bread at their tables, luring in voters.
During the last national elections in 2014, Bekkersdal, west of Johannesburg, was the site of protests, sparked by service delivery woes
Many unemployed youth in violence-stricken Bekkersdal are disillusioned with parties’ promises of jobs and chose not to vote in this election.
Following ongoing service delivery protests, two IEC tents have been burnt in Bekkersdal on the eve of the elections, which residents vow to boycott.
Violence on the eve of the elections threatened to deliver on Bekkersdal residents’ promise not to vote, but peaceful voting has since begun there.
The ANC in Gauteng says it will investigate whether an armed man depicted in media reports on violent clashes in Bekkersdal is a member of the party.
The ANC says it was pelted with stones in Bekkersdal, resulting in its VIP protection retaliating. But residents there say otherwise.
The IEC said it is monitoring the situtation and will restore any damages to the voter registration stations as soon as possible.
Rand Uranium and Westonaria municipality have applied for a court interdict to halt Bekkersdal residents from occupying land illegally, says a report.
Following the closure of voting stations in Bekkersdal, the IEC’s deputy chairperson says people have a duty to help with security at voting stations.
Seven voting stations have been closed down in Bekkersdal, in the West Rand, after violence broke ahead of voter registrations.
Any chance of peace in Bekkersdal hinges on the response of the government, says Kwanele Sosibo.
Nomvula Mokonyane’s comment that she does not need Bekkersdal votes reveals her arrogance and contempt for the citizens that helped put her in power.
Bekkersdal community leaders say government is engaging with them on their grievances, and will put protests on hold while investigations continue.
Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyane has vowed not to be intimidated by Bekkersdal’s protesting residents.
