#Elections2016: Makhura one of Gauteng’s first to vote
It was an early start for Gauteng Premier David Makhura who arrived promptly at 7am to cast his vote.
|||Johannesburg - David Makhura was one of Gauteng’s first to vote on Wednesday.
It was an early start for the Gauteng’s premier, who is also the ANC's deputy provincial chairperson
He cast his vote at a small temporary voting station in the district of Tshitshwane, north of Johannesburg.
Dressed in a navy soft shell jacket, he was accompanied by his wife Mpho, who wore a bright pink beanie to stave off the cold. They were the first two to enter the tent and place their ballot in the box, after requesting help from Station coordinator Kate Petja.
When he arrived promptly at 7am, Professor Michael Herbst offered him the place at the front of the queue and Makhura humbly accepted.
Makhura chatted to Herbst about the cold weather and the peaceful satellite voting station. He told them that Ward 106 was in Tshwane and across the road was the Gauteng.
“I am very happy with what the cities are doing and I am confident that the ANC will retain Tshwane.”
“I am not here to do campaigning – today belongs to the voters,” said Makhura.
Petja said voting was expected to go smoothly and they expected around 800 voters.
On Tuesday night Makhura announced that over 6 million people were registered to vote in Gauteng, making it the highest potential turnout of all nine provinces.
After voting, Makhura was expected to travel to Wits to assist veteran Ahmed Kathrad cast his vote. He would then go to stations where protests were expected.
“I voted early because today I am on official duty,” he said.
@SamHartsie
Elections Bureau