An altercation erupted between the EFF and ANC members as the latter tried to stop the red berets’ deputy president, Floyd Shivambu, from casting his vote.
A group of ANC members, including former Operation Dudula leader Nhlanhla Lux, argued that Shivambu was not a member of the Braamfischerville community in Soweto.
For that reason, they argued, Shivambu should not be allowed to cast his vote at the Moses Kotana Primary School in Ward 44.
Shivambu and EFF members were attacked while standing in the voting queue.
He later distanced himself from the brawl and declined to comment, while Lux vanished from the crowd soon after the altercation.
Always been part of the community
While the fight dampened the mood at the voting station, Shivambu, showing his excitement alongside the community members, was still eager to cast his vote.
He told Sunday World that he has always been a part of the community and that it was not the first time he cast his vote in the area.
He said he was also involved in community projects in Braamfischerville, adding that he was confident that the state of the township would get better.
According to Shivambu, the EFF would dominate the electoral results, given that the organisation has been consistently growing since 2014.
He said the EFF has not received much communication about the unfolding election process, but noted that there were complaints regarding voter management.
“We, of course, have been raising with the IEC [Independent Electoral Commission] areas where there are some challenges, but otherwise it is so far so good,” said Shivambu.
“We encourage more young people to come and vote for the Economic Freedom Fighters because we are changing the government now.
“It is a matter of formality; the people of South Africa have decided; we are just stamping now that the ANC will finally be taken out of power and there will be a new government led by the EFF.”
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