Mbete told to fetch her ID book before she can vote

2 August 2016

Johannesburg – African National Congress national chairperson Baleka Mbete on Tuesday cast her vote in the local government elections at Berario Community Centre in Northcliff, Johannesburg.

Mbete was one of the estimated 700 000 people who registered for special votes due to other commitments on election day.

Mbete voted later than planned as she initially forgot her ID in Pretoria, which had to be fetched.

Voting stations opened on Monday to allow those who registered for special votes to tick their boxes, while the rest of the country will have an opportunity to vote on Wednesday.

Mbete told media after casting her vote that she felt confident and she encouraged the rest of the country to vote as well.

"I'm feeling great. For one thing I have exercised a responsibility I have to the people of South Africa, being part of the democracy, by casting my vote."

Election fever has gripped the country over the past few weeks as parties had their last chance to try and convince citizens to vote for them.

People who had lost their IDs were encouraged to apply for a temporary ID at the Department of Home Affairs on Tuesday.

This article first appeared on News24, see here.