Voting a celebration of 30 years of democracy, says Welkom resident
Speaking to EWN shortly after voting, he reflected on the first time he voted, when South Africa elected its first democratic government.
Patrick Molefe told EWN that he voted for first time back in 1994. Picture: Nhlanhla Mabaso/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - An elderly resident in Welkom, in the Free State, was excited to cast his vote.
Patrick Molefe told Eyewitness News that he voted for the first time back in 1994.
He said that back then, voting meant he was given a voice and could decide who should govern the country.
Speaking to Eyewitness News shortly after voting, he reflected on the first time he voted, when South Africa elected its first democratic government.
"During that time, when we started voting as black people, it gave us pride to change the environment and the country."
Molefe said that voting was more of a celebration for him.
"For us, this is a celebration of 30 years in democracy. They gave us an opportunity to look at what was happening in the past and if we are not satisfied with what we voted for, we can still change and do other things, so I am glad to be part of this."
IEC officials at all the voting stations Eyewitness News had visited in parts of the province said that things had been going smoothly.