Mixed reaction to Election Day voter experience – WATCH

South Africans had mixed feelings about their voting experience in the 2026 Local Government Elections, with some praising the process while others described long queues and frustration at their polling stations.

In a snapshot of Election Day on Wednesday, 4 November, voters across the country spoke about what went well – and what they felt could have been better.

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Pleasantly surprised

In Johannesburg, first-time voter Lerato Mokoena said she was pleasantly surprised by how quickly she cast her ballot.

“I expected to be there for hours, but the queue moved quickly and the officials were helpful,” she said.

“It felt good to have my say in what happens in my community.”

But in Durban, Sibusiso Dlamini said his experience was less positive. He described a long wait and confusion about where to join the queue.

“I eventually voted, but the process was frustrating,” he said.

“There should have been clearer signs and more people directing voters.”

‘Calm and orderly’

In Cape Town, Nadia Jacobs said the atmosphere at her voting station was calm and orderly.

“People were patient with one another, and the staff explained what to do,” she said.

“It was a reassuring experience.”

Others said the day tested their patience.

Thabo Radebe, from Polokwane, said he had to return to the voting station after discovering he had joined the wrong queue.

“It was disappointing to lose time over something that could have been explained more clearly,” he said.

‘Proud to vote’

For Ayanda Ndlovu in Gqeberha, the experience was emotional as well as practical.

“I was proud to vote, even though the wait was longer than I expected,” she said.

“I hope the people elected will listen to residents and deliver on their promises.”

In some areas voters walked in and out, casting their ‘X’ in a matter of minutes. However, in other parts of the country there were reports of voting stations opening late and queues snaking for hundreds of metres – if not more.

Overall, the IEC expressed its general satisfaction as to how the day unfolded.

Rate your Election Day voting experience out of 10, in the 30-second survey below: