Over 27 million South Africans registered to cast their vote for the general elections, with a gender distribution of 44.76% men and 55.24% women. I braved the morning cold to my local station in Joburg North. As a journalist, I was expected to sign up for the special vote which allowed me to make my mark on 28 May but the thrill of having to line up with regular citizens was the drive.

MAKE A MARK

One expected a great deal of chaos, long lines, less order, opinions and bickering. But people quietly and peacefully waited their turn to make their mark. Standing ahead of an elderly couple, who had no clue they could dodge to the front of the line as they were pensioners, they shared how important this day is for them as it might be their last chance to vote. "We might not be around for the next election, therefore, it's very important for us to decide who gets to lead the country." Their children have left the country and voted overseas. "Yes, they have been living in London for six years and made their vote."

MAKING HISTORY

In less than two hours of lining up, I entered the church, had my finger inked, and was given three uncomplicated ballots showing the provincial legislature ballot, national compensatory ballot, and national regional ballots. As tough as the decision was as to who to vote for, it was done. This is a historic moment as it marks the 30th year of electoral democracy. A young black couple in their late thirties queued up with their toddler. "We are doing it for our child," they say. "We have dealt with a lot of corruption; racism and we want change. She might not understand right now but she will remember this moment in future."