IEC concerned as some voting stations fail to open

This was mostly due to community protests. 

Some were also forced to close shortly after opening due to various incidents.

Some of the affected areas include Katlehong in Gauteng, where seven voting stations were affected by community protests over the installation of pre-paid electricity meters.

The Vhembe District in the Collins Chabane Municipality around the Vuwani area also had disruptions due to the ongoing municipal demarcation dispute.

The IEC's Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo says they are in discussions with community leaders to try and resolve the situation.

"Provincial election staff is working closely with community leaders and security forces in all these areas to ensure voting stations open as soon as possible to allow citizens to enjoy their constitutional right to register as voters," he told reporters at the IEC's headquarters in Centurion on Saturday. "In most of the country the weather was reported to be conducive to high participation and turnout with little rain reported and mostly cloudy and cool weather in the northern and eastern parts of the country."

He says in Vuwani ten of the thirty-five voting stations failed to open.

"We hope a solution will be found in Vuwani to allow us to do the work we need to do even if it is not on this occasion but some time certainly before the elections. We hope a solution will (be found) and we'll then be able to assist that community. 

"In Kathlehong indeed we were aware (of the issues) and we have engaged those people installing the meters. We have engaged with community leaders. Unfortunately. we did not secure the agreement that we need. However, we will open those stations at the earliest possible opportunity."