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Zuma 'an unstoppable tsunami'
18/12/2007 10:07 - (SA)
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| A Thabo Mbeki supporter shows his thumb after casting a vote in Polokwane. (Werner Beukes, Sapa) |
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Polokwane - ANC voters emerged relieved and happy on Tuesday morning after placing their crosses on the ballot papers to vote in the new leadership of the party.
Delegates who were disabled were placed at the front of the queue as voting stations opened shortly before 09:00 at the University of Limpopo in Polokwane.
"I feel honoured to be one of the first," said Peter Mamorobela.
He had been waiting in the queue for almost three hours but was not bothered by this.
"I'm just relieved and happy but I haven't had breakfast yet. I'm on my way now," he told Sapa, rushing off in the direction of the canteen.
Samuel Mthembu said: "I feel great" as he sat in his wheelchair.
"I was more than ready for this. I feel very relieved that the matter of voting is behind me," he said.
Another delegate Gerald Sono who emerged from the polling stations, talking animatedly to his colleagues, said it felt good to exercise his democratic right.
Delay
Aside from the delay, he said there were no glitches.
"I was able to see the candidates and choose clearly and now we wait for results".
Yoliswa Ponosha said she was tired as she walked away from the polling station with crutches.
She however felt good about casting her vote.
As the first voters emerged from the polling station others steadily made their way to join the long snaking queues that had already formed outside the polling stations.
Pat Khaba said she did not care how long it would take, she would stand in the queue all day if necessary.
Dressed in a bright green ANC T-shirt with a long flowing black skirt Khaba had made sure that she was presentable as she made her mark.
She said she felt "superb" on the wet Tuesday morning.
Zuma supporters most vocal
Supporters of ANC deputy president Jacob Zuma were once again the most vocal among the delegates.
Jim Mkandawire said after casting his vote: "We have done it, as we have been saying all along. Zuma is an unstoppable tsunami.
"I love (President Thabo) Mbeki but believe that politics in the ANC is like a relay. He has to hand over the stick to another person".
Jane Mathe, a delegate from Gauteng came out of the voting station singing loudly "debela abanye" meaning give others a chance.
"I'm happy that the long wait is over. This is the last kicks of a dying horse", she said.
Mathe said she was disappointed that the commission delayed the voting and described it as "delaying tactics".
Voting was scheduled to begin at 06:00 but was delayed due to computer problems, the party's electoral commission said.
Mbeki supporters were quiet on Tuesday, with most of them refusing to talk to the media after casting their votes.
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