Diepsloot - Hundreds of registered voters in Diepsloot braved the cold weather this morning to cast their votes in the fourth democratic General Elections.
From as early as 4am, there were long and winding queues snaking at both the Diepsloot Community Hall and Muzomuhle Primary School.
Senior citizen Angelinah Mtetele, 55, arrived at the voting station in Muzomuhle Primary School at 5am. She said she could not wait to cast her vote to allow government to complete the mandate it set in 1994.
"We already have RDP houses and child support grants. With our vote we can help our government continue bringing services to the people," she said.
Ms Mtetele who stays in the informal settlement said she would be happy if the party she had voted for, could build an RDP house for her.
At the Diepsloot Community Hall, potential voters started queuing at 4am. Independent Electoral Commission Presiding Officer, Peter Bopape told BuaNews they were not expecting any form of disruption and there was tight security at the station.
He said the voting materials were delivered at 5am in the morning and the first hours of voting has proceeded smoothly.
Unemployed Joseph Mvelasi, 27, said he had decided to exercise his right because he wanted to see government addressing the high rate of crime in the area.
"It is difficult for investors, including government, to bring services to Diepsloot because of criminal activities and vandalism.
"I am casting my vote because I want my voice to be heard by government. At the moment, together with other residents, I don't feel safe, we just hope that the new administration will be tough on criminals," he said.
First time voter, Masabatha Nophale, 23, spent a sleepless night patiently waiting for Election Day. She was unable to contain her excitement at casting her ballot for the first time.
"With my vote I am hoping to see more jobs being created for the youth who have completed their tertiary studies and more services being delivered to the area.
"As the future generation of this area, we need sports facilities for the youth which can help to keep them away from involving themselves in criminal activities," she said.
In Diepsloot and the surrounding area, the voting process has been going smoothly since the official opening of voting stations at 7am.
