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Today I voted!

Written by Lekese from the blog Today I voted! on 15 Apr 2009
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Today I went to the voting station early. There was quite an admirable crowd of SA people voting.
It was strange though going to vote and then off to the office.

I must say I appreciated the professional and decent manner in which the consulate handled the morning-rush lines, pity cameras were not allowed, I wanted to take pictures so you could see how vibrant and calm the mood was!

The IEC & Consulate officials were just so pleased to see thina boDarkie in the
lines as well. Wow, their excitement you'd be forgiven for thinking black royalty was visiting. lol

The parking lot was not that vibrant though - you could sense some tension, if not a forever bitterness, from our fellow whites with those usual assumptions and stereotypical thinking about us and our political leaders!

On a serious note I am grateful to that laanie that decided to take this expat voting issue to Concourt. He ensured my right to vote.

Happy voting to all of you next week!

99 Comments

Lekese
15 Apr 2009 23:54

I know some of you won't feel my excitment, but to me when the decision was taken to allow us outside of the republic to vote, it was a huge victory. It meant being part of our country and sharing in the experiences of ou beatiful country.

Standing in thta que today I felt so proud of being a South African!

60 Plus Madala
16 Apr 2009 02:02

Gr8 to hear this Lekese.....! Yes, we r equally excited in our silent way..... but will be more so when your votes arrive in SA for counting......! I trust that the NPA/ NIA, JZ lawyers, etc... dwill not illeagly intercept the sealed boxes, & use them 4 their personal issues.......!
It was strange though going to vote and then off to the office-
LOL- Hayi ke this realy cracked me knowing how lazy them darkies.....!

Paralyzer
16 Apr 2009 06:33

Good 4 u! Where outside sa are u? Kwa kwa kwa kwa @lazy darkies

Brown Shuga
16 Apr 2009 07:02

LOL Madala!!! Not fair that you guys must experience it before us Lekese! Banilayile about going back to work! Thanx for voting though, I guess my president already has lotsa votes to his name, yay!!!!!

Cande
16 Apr 2009 07:40

Well done for exercising your democratic right Lekese

mjj
16 Apr 2009 07:52

Lekese, where r u? R u by any chance in Italy? If so can I visit and stay for free at your place? Apparently the ballot papers will arrive today in SA......

maddie
16 Apr 2009 08:12

well done Lekese, i know ur vote is your secret, but i hope u voted for change

Toxic
16 Apr 2009 12:05

Lekese, where r u?

Where outside sa are u?

Lekese, please ansa.

60 Plus Madala
16 Apr 2009 12:07

LOL @ mjj- darkies & freebies....
LOL @ Maddie- vote 4 change???? nc nc nc ...
@ Lekese.... your vote is your secrete.... your country of residence is yo secrete....!

maud
16 Apr 2009 12:40

@Lekese- did you by any chance see my husband there he also told me that he voted , and are you guys ure that your votes will be included in our SA votes.

i had to come back to work, it would have been a nice experience seeing South AFrican voting over the seas.

maud
16 Apr 2009 12:41

ment to say sure

Lekese
16 Apr 2009 12:57

@BS Banilayile about going back to work - khasivele tuu, we could not even have i braai nyana nje...damn!

@mjj - am in Atlanta, Ge, guess that takes care of you Tox as well!
LOL @ Madala darkies & freebies
@Maud - is he the cutie that was behind me? Don't worry took his numbers dear, will be keeping him company LOL!

Ok guys, am getting ready for work, will log on when I get to the office.

awelani
16 Apr 2009 13:00

Um proud of u Lekese :)

Sdudla
16 Apr 2009 13:05

I voted yesterday too Lekese ( I was actually the first person to vote here). I wonder how long this ink will remain on my finger, it's totally ruining my manicure.

I'm actually quite disappointed at the low voter turnout (some who had registered didn't even bother to come and vote) after the High Court and ConCourt battle to allow expats the right to vote...

xobho
16 Apr 2009 13:08

Hey Lekese, why not tell us what stimulated you to vote for the party you voted for? You do not need to tell us what party you voted, just tell us why you voted for that party? And also tell why was voting important when you are not living in SA?

Is it true that your ballot papers were placed on envelopes with your names and then on blank envelopes? If so, does this constitute "your vote is your secret"? I mean why did they not place all ballots in one envelope and rather make voters to sign some attendance list or something????This question is not only directed to Lekese but to other bloggers as well.

Phikza
16 Apr 2009 13:18

wanted to take pictures so you could see how vibrant and calm the mood was! .....so sad you couldnt take pics, would have loved to see them. Its the first time im voting this year...and for me i think my timing was just bad bad bad

i know ur vote is your secret, but i hope u voted for change...lol maddie. You did well for voting Lekese

Paralyzer
16 Apr 2009 13:21

Lekese, where r u?

Where outside sa are u?

Lekese, please ansa.

kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa @ Tox

KeleFabulous
16 Apr 2009 13:23

xobho i don't see how they would allow something like that to happen

Sdudla
16 Apr 2009 13:26

@Xobho: I'll try and answer some of your Q's on the secret ballot..

To make sure that there was no rigging or casting of additional/fake votes, there were a number of security measures taken to check the voter's name, ID, Passport and Voting district against the voter's roll sent by the IEC. After voting you the voter had to seal your ballot paper(s) in a blank A5 envelope. You then placed that envolope inside a bigger A4 envelope with your Name, ID and voting district (Embassy/Consulate) and sealed that envelope as well.

When the IEC receives the packages (which a labeled by country) they will check off the names on the envelopes against their list of pple who were supposed to vote abroad and a list that the Embassy enclosed detailing the voters who actually did turn up. They will discard the envelope with details and keep the anonymous one containing the ballot paper until April 22 when they will open the envelopes when all South Africans have voted.

If the IEC receives an envelope of a voter who was not permitted to vote abroad, they say they will discard that envelope/count it as a spoiled paper..

Excuse the long response

maud
16 Apr 2009 13:27

@Lekese- not for long he is coming back home were he belongs, did you say cutie , it cant be him, he is a twin brother to Max the gorilla.

Cande
16 Apr 2009 13:28

Cumon Xhobo the point is Lekese voted, and shim had their own reasons. does she need to tell us those? i think it will lead to another political battle article.

xobho
16 Apr 2009 13:31

Thank you for the explaination Sdudla

@ cande, i would not mind that hey:-)

maud
16 Apr 2009 13:35

@ Sdudla thanks now i also understand

monchooza
16 Apr 2009 13:37

eish do they still use this stupid ink...damn

maud
16 Apr 2009 13:45

oh thixo amazipho ami,

Sdudla
16 Apr 2009 13:51

Yes they do use that ink Monchooza.

@Xobho
I'm a bit ambivalent about the whole voting abroad thing. I think it's important for S Africans living/working/on holiday/business abroad to vote because mina I don't want anyone who was given the opportunity to vote or bring about change to start complaining about the sorry state the country is in, like they've been doing all along. I would try and understand if they say they complain because they didn't get the opportunity to bring about change etc but..

I have no patience for the S Africans who emigrated because they had no confidence in a black government and they spend their time and resources (from the comfort of their adoptive countries) criticising everything that the government is doing while vowing that they would never return to South africa. Why should those people be allowed to vote?

They don't contribute to the country's economy, they discourage foreign investors (though not successfully) and they generally give a terrible image of our country and they still say they want to vote. I say pick a side and stick to it.. If you want to be a South african and enjoy your Constitutional rights then you have certain civic (paying tax etc) and moral obligations (patriotism etc) that you should also carry out or else stay in Europe, OZ and the US and complain about what those governments are not doing right in their own countries, which is plenty...

let me stop before I start frothing at the mouth..

KeleFabulous
16 Apr 2009 13:55

well said Sdudla! haayi your name makes me crack up lol

Strolicious
16 Apr 2009 14:08

Maud u can say dat again,but alteast izophela inyanga soon,u can put iplaster on dat zipho...

realist
16 Apr 2009 14:08

I have no patience for the S Africans who emigrated because they had no confidence in a black government and they spend their time and resources (from the comfort of their adoptive countries) criticising everything that the government is doing while vowing that they would never return to South africa. Why should those people be allowed to vote?
I have a problem with what you are saying. If they are still South Africans they should be allowed to vote regardless of their views. Someone might have different views to yours and by implications they should not vote purely because they criticize the government that is charge regardless of the race.

xobho
16 Apr 2009 14:23

I hear you Sdudla, but are you being fair in critisizing them for leaving abroad? WOuld you not go abroad if you afforded or had a better job offer? I am just asking...nothing else.

maud
16 Apr 2009 14:30

@Sdudla- i normaly dont like to interfere in debates ,or arguments, but i am afraid i have to answer to you sdudla, firstly there must be a reason for them to be there, some of them have businesses there and last but not least some are styding there.
so babes get your your facts straight before critisizing. its not fair .

TheLady
16 Apr 2009 14:31

Xobho I think she meant that these people did not leave for better jobs, they left coz they could not bear to live in a country where the ruling party/even the president is black.

I agree, these people basically 'threw' away their citizenship, they don't wish any good for the country...and I hope they don't care enough not to vote too.

TheLady
16 Apr 2009 14:32

GOOD PEOPLE HERE IS A WHOLE PARAGRAPH!!!!

I have no patience for the S Africans who emigrated because they had no confidence in a black government and they spend their time and resources (from the comfort of their adoptive countries) criticising everything that the government is doing while vowing that they would never return to South africa. Why should those people be allowed to vote?

monchooza
16 Apr 2009 14:35

ama long queus are will be the only thing that will put me off voting...espesheli since none of my friends will be voting...wont be standing emalainini for hours ngiyi 1

xobho
16 Apr 2009 14:41

okay, if you are voting ke, vote wisely...if you are not, do not complain about the outcomes and when Mshowerise becomes president...tltltltltltllt

60 Plus Madala
16 Apr 2009 15:41

Yho Sdudla... uvuk'nja....!!! Some elements I agree with you, but I largely disaagree with some of your statemnts......Let me go to bed, will come back 2 comment when i wake up......!

As 4 Msholozi becoming the President next week - I am so sadned.....
I stil hope that the "Hand of God" will still do some 'situation'....even if it's the Hand of God in Mugabe style.......!

myname
16 Apr 2009 15:54

Siyakubongela Sweet! Just stay as u r nhe!!!

Oh nkosi yam Tamkhulu Madala, i stil not sure who deserve my beautiful X. And these elctions r next week & my head ivele ispin when i think of that.

Toxic
16 Apr 2009 16:07

ama long queus are will be the only thing that will put me off voting...espesheli since none of my friends will be voting...wont be standing emalainini for hours ngiyi 1

LMAO!!!!!!! He bo lomuntu. Ithi abantwana bakini bakukhaphe!

nice
16 Apr 2009 16:24

He bo lomuntu. Ithi abantwana bakini bakukhaphe!

Toxic, LOL.

What I dont get though is why must we vote where registered if we are voting for the president. It wont matter whether I am in Mafiken or Zeerust, as long as I registered I shuould be allowed to cast my vote.

Sdudla
16 Apr 2009 18:23

Sorry for my silence, I had to go to a funeral but I'm finally back...
@Maud, Xhobo (elimtende), Realist & 60+: Can you please read my 1st paragraph re: voting abroad for clarity?

I have no problem with South Africans who are living/working/studying abroad because of whatever reason (better opportunities, marriage etc) BUT I have issues with South Africans who left the country swearing and still continue to sling mud against our country& government (please note I'm not saying anything about individuals) and tell everyone who has ears that they will never return to Godforsaken South African because ever since the blacks took over the country has gone downhill.

Those are the people I have issues with when it comes to voting. The government is not South Africa (the country) and there are other factors/people who can contribute to the positive image & spirit of a country, starting with a country's citizens. If those people consciously sully the name of the country and tell potential investors not to bother going to South Africa because it is turnig into a Zimbabwe then those people shouldn't bother to vote because they clearly are not passionate about their country.

South Africa is not about the ANC or the blacks, it is about everyone who is proud to stand at the highest international forum (in front of world leaders and CEO's) and talk about why they believe & know that South Africa is the place to be. I do it all the time and I do not lie about our challenges either...

I am working abroad and I will probably end up living permanently abroad at a later stage because of a relationship/marriage but I am proud of my country and I use every opportunity to promote South Africa and its capabilities (despite our challenges) because in my line of work I have seen seriously messed up but so-called 1st world countries and governments and it is only when you live outside your country that you begin to appreciate what you have.

I get so happy when I meet South Africans of all races who talk to me about how much they miss Mzansi and how no country (no matter how developed) can compare to your own country.

Green.arrow
16 Apr 2009 18:43

Way to go Sdudla!!!!

Brown Shuga
16 Apr 2009 18:53

Sdudla...can we visit you please?

Paralyzer
16 Apr 2009 18:58

Agree with Sdudla

Paralyzer
16 Apr 2009 19:01

Even if just to get a visa? These consulates are giving me hell! Guys apparently u can take the mail n guardian poll bout who to vote! I must still do it!

realist
17 Apr 2009 06:51

@Sdudla: Point taken, but still if they are South African and they have a right (not privilege) to vote they should vote regardless of their views. Just a question, if the government of the day the majority was not blacks and you are sitting on the other side of the fence, should that government allow you to vote if you have the views you just expressed?

The problem I have with your statement is that because the government of the day is black it should not be criticized. That is the problem mostly with us South African. Because I am black therefore everyone should have an understanding. If that is the thought then the majority of blacks will always struggle and struggle and struggle and at end of the day never achieve anything. Btw, it is already happening, we struggle and struggle and never achieve anything.

I might be wrong but that is what I am seeing now of late.

realist
17 Apr 2009 06:54

As 4 Msholozi becoming the President next week - I am so sadned.....
I stil hope that the "Hand of God" will still do some 'situation'....even if it's the Hand of God in Mugabe style.......!
Man you gotta love South Africa. You gave me a good laugh so early in the morning.

awelani
17 Apr 2009 08:35

As much as my fingers are itching to say something bout dzi-polotiki,,,,i will pass....

mjj
17 Apr 2009 08:45

Lekese my visa expired can u write me an invitation letter, I need a 10 year visa this time....R u by any channce Manelisi Dubasi or Thami Dickson from SABC? Anyway it doesn't matter, can I visit in the fall?

Paralyzer
17 Apr 2009 08:53

Lekese neva said wer he currently is. Did i miss it? I also want an invitation letter if u live in schengen states

mjj
17 Apr 2009 19:59

Piz - didn't he say he is in Atlanta????? Talking about schengen visa.....these morons want me to first book a flight ticket and show them the ticket and my accommodation confirmation b4 i apply for the VISA....what if they decline my VISA????

Paralyzer
17 Apr 2009 20:02

That's how they roll......I handed in my flight tickets, proof of how many Euros (which I bought before the Rand improved so much, so sad) and then they had problems with my accommodation, needed proof of payment...can you believe it!!!

I don't know if they decline, coz my tickets are non-refundable.....I'm praying and hoping>>.where are you going?

mjj
17 Apr 2009 20:06

Denmark and France......eish so u haven't applied yet? Eish they better cause the ticket i will buy is on special and will be non-refundable........at least for accommodation its no problem, i can cancel if they have issues.......

Paralyzer
17 Apr 2009 20:09

No I did apply, just waiting for an answer....the problem is, I don't wanna book full accommodation (it's a lot of money) coz I wana be traveling a bit.....

As long as you apply for a multiple entry coz they refused this one person entry coz they quickly went to UK and they didn't want them returning.....too hctic...these people think bcoz we come from africa we will be refugees or something....

mjj
17 Apr 2009 20:12

Eish i also want a multiple entry cause i want to go to Geneva as well...eish I called the Consulate today, and they tell me it takes about 3 days to process the VISA......so i'll buy the ticket month end.....hopefully it will still be on special......What makes them think their countries r special? Even the US, u apply b4 buying the ticket......mncim

mathata
17 Apr 2009 20:14

@Mjj,thami based in New york.most guys who works for Sabc the told them come back home before june but im not sure about thami.

mjj
17 Apr 2009 20:17

Mathatha i know Manelisi does Washington & Atlanta and the white guy that talks like a girl does Chicago.....

Shame SABC has no money now they have to come back home......

mathata
17 Apr 2009 20:26

about sissy guy dont say.but his so loving

some people they dont even have a year,what about four kids?they must drop out,i told this guy to sue them is not fair at all.

sabc is a worst company to work for,before they pay is crisis,landlord hates them,they just help this people because of Mandela,is just big joke.

shame on them.

Paralyzer
17 Apr 2009 20:30

Wow 3 days, spain says minimum of 5 days. And u pay a lot 4 these visas. I had to get a uk one as well, coz direct flight to spain to expensive and goes where i am nt! And the travel agency is doing it and charged me R400, so they betta get it 4 me! The uk one was easy

Paralyzer
17 Apr 2009 20:31

mjj
17 Apr 2009 20:34

Mathatha u in Toronto?

mathata
17 Apr 2009 20:38

@Para, And u pay a lot 4 these visas....they are trying to protect their country from makwerekwere.

mathata
17 Apr 2009 20:40

@mjj,kwa kwa im all over,but toronto is home for us.

mjj
17 Apr 2009 20:52

Mathatha i need to visit your there....will u accommodate me?

mathata
17 Apr 2009 20:57

yes,i dont have a problem aslong ose leshodu,the problem is we travel a lot like now im in PERU.

Paralyzer
17 Apr 2009 21:00

Hawu, it's the drug lords that can afford those fees! I just dnt like fact that you cnt go tour the country. I mean i showed them i hav money 4 da trip. Ive had my passport 4 7years, i bookd accom and flights and still they give me uphill!

Brown Shuga
17 Apr 2009 21:04

<<<I mean i showed them i hav money 4 da trip>> Thatha train rider!! So that's where the money is going....

Paralyzer
17 Apr 2009 21:08

U c BS, wena, COCONUT!! Mam Joyce!

Paralyzer
17 Apr 2009 21:09

U c BS, wena, COCONUT!! Mam Joyce!

mathata
17 Apr 2009 21:16

@PARA..you killed me, they dont want to know your digit in bank,what are doing in their country.
I mean showed them i hav money 4 da trip...kwa kwa kwa kwa

show them the address where you are going n pay slip n you will back when,so that if you dont show up,they can hunt you like a criminal.

Paralyzer
17 Apr 2009 21:25

Hahahahahahaha...they want proof of ur return, like return ticket, you must have accomodation, on top of dat u must hav 60euros per day u are there! Why wud i wana b living like a peasant in their country? They wil get their own medicine when they apply 4 sa visa, ask dalai lama!

Paralyzer
17 Apr 2009 21:25

mjj
17 Apr 2009 21:30

lol

mjj
17 Apr 2009 21:54

Eish i have issues with those requirements........they also want a proof of foreign currency u bought

Floh
18 Apr 2009 13:06

They wil get their own medicine when they apply 4 sa visa, ask dalai lama!..............LOL @Para

Dala Lama knows us better.....................now some ppl are not voting.

afternoon
18 Apr 2009 13:13

mathata can I visit also?

Paralyzer
18 Apr 2009 16:19

Yes mjj, they want that. Ive lost about R1000 due to exchange movement, and u cant get foreign currency wo tickets!

mathata
18 Apr 2009 16:49

@aftern, im allergic to kleptomania,if you dont belong there you are welcome with six hands.

Vida
18 Apr 2009 17:02

I get so happy when I meet South Africans of all races who talk to me about how much they miss Mzansi and how no country (no matter how developed) can compare to your own country

Have to agree. We only realise how blessed we are in SA(even with all the faults)when you travel outside. None of the countries I have traveled to compare. No matter how rich or 1st world they may claim to be!

Firstdvd
22 Apr 2009 06:48

Hurraaaaaaaay...Today is dat X day again!!! Lets make it happen guys...I just checked my voting station, NO i'll be putting my axe later, wat a long que!!!

Paralyzer
22 Apr 2009 07:13

I want to c the queues @ mine 1st, i hope it's nt lng otherwise i wil hav 2 vote later as well

Firstdvd
22 Apr 2009 07:45

...freedom of speech/expression~ YOUR VOTE IS NO LONGER YOUR SECRECT! Freedom, Feel FREE to tell us who you'll be voting or where did you put dat axe! lol

Bra Bizza
22 Apr 2009 08:13

ANC

Firstdvd
22 Apr 2009 09:11

Dankie Bra B... I used to like Tony Leon... For the 1st time ever, I'm voting for ANC ;-)

Onna
22 Apr 2009 09:25

Nice going FD u know u did not waste yo vote there.......

Firstdvd
22 Apr 2009 09:37

Yep Onna...It won't be wasted @ all...n thats guaranteed ;-)

Firstdvd
22 Apr 2009 06:48

Hurraaaaaaaay...Today is dat X day again!!! Lets make it happen guys...I just checked my voting station, NO i'll be putting my axe later, wat a long que!!!

Paralyzer
22 Apr 2009 07:13

I want to c the queues @ mine 1st, i hope it's nt lng otherwise i wil hav 2 vote later as well

Firstdvd
22 Apr 2009 07:45

...freedom of speech/expression~ YOUR VOTE IS NO LONGER YOUR SECRECT! Freedom, Feel FREE to tell us who you'll be voting or where did you put dat axe! lol

Bra Bizza
22 Apr 2009 08:13

ANC

Firstdvd
22 Apr 2009 09:11

Dankie Bra B... I used to like Tony Leon... For the 1st time ever, I'm voting for ANC ;-)

Firstdvd
22 Apr 2009 06:48

Hurraaaaaaaay...Today is dat X day again!!! Lets make it happen guys...I just checked my voting station, NO i'll be putting my axe later, wat a long que!!!

Paralyzer
22 Apr 2009 07:13

I want to c the queues @ mine 1st, i hope it's nt lng otherwise i wil hav 2 vote later as well

Firstdvd
22 Apr 2009 07:45

...freedom of speech/expression~ YOUR VOTE IS NO LONGER YOUR SECRECT! Freedom, Feel FREE to tell us who you'll be voting or where did you put dat axe! lol

Bra Bizza
22 Apr 2009 08:13

ANC

Onna
22 Apr 2009 09:25

Nice going FD u know u did not waste yo vote there.......

Firstdvd
22 Apr 2009 09:37

Yep Onna...It won't be wasted @ all...n thats guaranteed ;-)

Firstdvd
22 Apr 2009 09:11

Dankie Bra B... I used to like Tony Leon... For the 1st time ever, I'm voting for ANC ;-)

Onna
22 Apr 2009 09:25

Nice going FD u know u did not waste yo vote there.......

Firstdvd
22 Apr 2009 09:37

Yep Onna...It won't be wasted @ all...n thats guaranteed ;-)