The Eastern Cape government hopes that voting day will proceed without any incidents, following sporadic protests during the two days of special votes.
The provincial government, the taxi industry, and the African National Congress (ANC) provincial leaders held a meeting following the unrest. This occurred after a protest by taxi operators in Mthatha led to the closure of voting stations in the area.
The provincial Transport Department spokesperson, Unathi Binqose, says the Border Alliance Taxi Association, which is believed to have led the protest, has expressed regret and apologized.
“The negotiation team consisted of the national, provincial, and local spheres of government, and the ruling party says the negotiations were uneasy, especially after Monday’s, destructive and disruptive protest in Mthatha. The team was quick to point out that this was no means to exonerate any wrongdoing, saying the law must take its course,” said Binqose.
A resident of Mthatha arrived at the polling station at five o’clock this morning, eager to exercise his right to vote. Shakes Mbengo said he wants to see improved safety and security in Mthatha to make it a preferred tourist destination. “These days, we need operatives, people who will be on the ground, to show that whatever we are talking about, we must go on the ground and implement it so our citizens can see we mean business,” said Mbengo.
