Delays reported in Benoni
Special voting in Benoni got off to an uneven start on Monday, with a shortage of vehicles affecting some Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) home visits and transport arrangements to voting stations. The special-voting process is intended to assist eligible South Africans who cannot cast their ballots during Wednesday’s general poll.
Some voters were left waiting for transport, while IEC officials in parts of Benoni reportedly walked between addresses to complete home visits. The disruption was contrasted with smoother operations at other voting stations in Ekurhuleni, underlining the mixed experience across the metro on the first day of the two-day special-voting period.
DA candidate Mary Goby raised concerns about the IEC’s readiness in Benoni. She said officials at some voting stations did not have vehicles to carry out the scheduled home visits, creating delays for voters who had made arrangements to cast their ballots from their residences.
“We have a problem with some of the voting stations where the IEC do not have vehicles to go and do home visits.”
Goby said one area had 10 special votes, yet officials were walking from one address to another. At another voting station, more than 100 home visits were reportedly scheduled, but no vehicle was available when the process began.
Focus turns to Wednesday
The concerns have placed the spotlight on the remaining preparations before the main voting day. Goby said one voting station had 4 500 registered voters and needed an early start to manage the expected turnout. Her comments were directed not only at Monday’s delays, but also at the arrangements that must be in place when ordinary voting gets under way on Wednesday.
For residents using special voting, the practical issue is whether officials can reach the correct address or whether transport can get voters to their designated station in time. Home visits require officials to move between multiple properties, while voters travelling to stations depend on the transport arrangements made for the process. Any delay can place additional pressure on the limited period available for special votes.
| Issue | Position reported |
|---|---|
| Special voting | Running on Monday and Tuesday |
| Benoni concern | Vehicles unavailable for some home visits |
| One reported station | More than 100 home visits scheduled |
| Wednesday preparation | One station has 4 500 registered voters |
The difficulties in Benoni were not replicated everywhere. DA candidate Simon Lapping described proceedings at his voting station in Kempton Park as trouble-free. His account reflected the wider picture in Ekurhuleni, where some stations were operating without reported problems while others faced logistical obstacles.
Metro contest already taking shape
Political parties were active at voting stations as candidates assessed their prospects and the contest for control of Ekurhuleni began to take shape. Candidates were also discussing the possibility of coalition arrangements, adding a political dimension to the operational focus around special voting.
Goby expressed confidence in the DA’s prospects in Ekurhuleni, saying she expected the party to perform well. Lapping also expressed confidence in his party’s electoral position. Those claims remain campaign assessments, with the result to be determined by voters and the formal electoral process.
With special voting continuing on Tuesday, attention will remain on whether the IEC can resolve the transport problems reported in Benoni before the main poll. Residents who have arranged home visits or transport will be watching for officials to arrive, while voting-station staff will need to manage the process for registered voters on Wednesday.
- Special voting continues on Tuesday.
- Some Benoni home visits were delayed because vehicles were unavailable.
- One station was reported to have more than 100 home visits scheduled.
- Wednesday’s election-day preparations remain under scrutiny.
