LIVE: South Africa votes in 2021 local government elections

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has confirmed an incident of alleged electoral fraud in uMbumbulu, south of Durban.

A presiding officer has been arrested, apparently after being caught stuffing marked ballots into a ballot box.

"This incident which did not affect the voting is a testament to the inbuilt safeguards check and balances in the voting processes that also include an activate role for political parties and independent candidates as well as the agents and observers in our systems," says IEC chairperson Glen Mashinini. 

As voting continues, political violence in KwaZulu-Natal remains in the spotlight.

Overnight, members of the National Freedom Party were attacked near Nongoma in Zululand.

Newswatch's Steve Bhengu has been tracking voting and related issues in the area. 

Listen below: 

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala says people must go out and vote if they want their voices heard.

He voted earlier at Manqondo Primary School in Ndwedwe's Ward 11.

"It is important for all people to vote in the local government elections because that is where you get an opportunity to elect a person who is going to lead you, a person who is going to champion your interests and needs for development. 

"It is important because if you vote you are able to hold those people accountable and you do so with confidence and therefore we call people to go out to vote"

Residents in extension 3 in the south coast town of Margate say they're fed up with ongoing water supply issues - and are demanding that immediate action be taken to allow them to enjoy this basic human right.

Newswatch’s Nushera Soodyal was at Margate Middle School.

She's been speaking to some of the first voters to arrive at the voting station.

Listen below:

Meanwhile, it's been a smooth start to election day on the south coast, where service delivery issues are the main concern. 

This woman, who's lived in Margate extension 3 for 20 years, says water supply problems have become a weekly nightmare. 

Jan Venter, who was the first to arrive at Margate Middle School, says deteriorating road conditions are a headache for motorists. 

The Plessislaer polling station in Ward 22, finally opened its doors after a one-hour delay. 

Residents, mostly the elderly, have been queuing outside the voting station since 6am. 

According to presiding officer Nokukhanya Hlabane, the ballot boxes arrived late because of transport issues.