Comedian Kabane Moloi voted at the same Killarney Country Club as Thabo Mbeki.
Comedian Kabane Moloi had to give way in the queue to former president Thabo Mbeki as he was trying to vote at Johannesburg's Killarney Country Club on Wednesday.
“I was not asked to do so by Thabo Mbeki but someone came and said I might have to cut in line because Thabo Mbeki was coming. I was in the middle of collecting my ballot paper,” Moloi said. Citizen.
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Molloy, like crowds across South Africa, cast his vote on election day in what has been described as the most bitterly contested election in the country's 30 years of democracy.
The brother of veteran broadcaster Pabi Moloi was able to vote after getting his way with ANC elders, but was irritated by the large number of media members at the polling station.
“Overall it was a great experience. It was a bit of a hectic experience because there was a lot of media attention,” Molloy, 22, said.
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Media attention At the polls
The polling station, where high-profile citizens such as President Cyril Ramaphosa and EFF leader Julius Malema were expected to cast their ballots, was expected to attract media attention – but for Moloi it was a bit uncomfortable.
“Not that he had to wait in line or anything, but it was quite a spectacle … a lot of people felt uncomfortable,” the Savannah Comics' Choice Comedy Awards Newcomer of the Year nominee said.
“I think a lot of people felt overwhelmed by the press barrage, which wasn't cool. I'm not the only one who felt that way, a few people. But overall it was a cool experience.”
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Young people eager to vote
Contrary to the common belief that young people are not interested in participating in elections, many young South Africans queued up to vote.
Large numbers of students queued for long periods at Wits University in Braamfontein to vote.
“I think we'll definitely see an increase. [in voter turnout]”The participation, especially of the youth, is really heartwarming to see at Wits and at the polling stations,” said political analyst Pearl Ncube. Newsroom Africa.
“A lot of young people are now more keen to get involved in politics. Obviously this is a long-standing issue and concern and political parties have been trying for many years to win the youth vote and gain the trust of young people.”
With more than four million voters aged between 20 and 29, it's clear that young people will play a major role in this year's election.
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