By-elections 2020: Voting continues into evening as polls draw to a close
No major incidents have been reported at voting stations in eThekwini where by-elections are taking place.
Twelve wards are up for contestation in nine municipalities in KZN. Four of the wards are in eThekwini.
Newswatch has been visiting the voting stations in Durban throughout the day.
Social distancing, voter co-operation and well-stocked stations have been the order of the day.
Officials at some of the stations say voter turnout has been a bit low especially in the earlier part of the day, and they think the rainy weather might have played a role.
The numbers were more encouraging at Ward 81 in Umlazi - with IEC official Sibongiseni Shazi saying its nine voting districts had seen a good early turnout.
"In ward 81 we have about 9 VD's (Voting Districts) and looking at the stats we are one of the leading ones with over 150 people have cast their votes so far.
"We have about 1 900 registered voters but they are coming in slowly however we believe from 3pm they will start coming in numbers".
Umlazi’s Ward 84 is voting to replace the ANC councillor who died in a hail of bullets.
There've been reports of a fight breaking out among ANC members as they disagreed on who to nominate to stand in the election. But today, no tension could be sensed. Voting stations will remain open until 9pm.
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On the south coast, five people are hoping to become the new councillor of Ray Nkonyeni Municipality's Ward 2.
The previous councillor resigned for health reasons.
The DA's Alan Bosch is one of those vying for the position. He says voter turn out has been good and there have been no issues. " In general it's been well run and very helpful. People have been coming out in their droves this afternoon.
Residents of Ward 25 in uMsunduzi are also voting after the previous DA councillor stepped down.
The ANC's Mlungisi Mlabo is also contesting the by-election there against four other people
He says voters have been trickling in. " People are coming in drips and drabs and this is not a special holiday. We are expecting more people after work as stations will be closing at 9pm."
