South African National Defence Force soldiers patrol the streets as voting takes place in Bekkersdal on Wednesday. Picture: PUXLEY MAKGATHO
South African National Defence Force soldiers patrol the streets as voting takes place in Bekkersdal on Wednesday. Picture: PUXLEY MAKGATHO

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BEKKERSDAL on the West Rand was calm on Wednesday morning after a tumultuous run-up to the 2014 polls, with Electoral Commission of South Africa tents torched on Tuesday evening.

Police nyalas, military vehicles lined the street entering Bekkersdal and a police helicopter hovered overhead to deal with any disturbances as over 25-million South Africans head to the polls in the fifth democratic election.

The area has been hit by service delivery protests since the end of September last year, with the community demanding the dissolution of the local municipality and the removal of the mayor.

At the centre of the communities grievances is also a multimillion rand urban renewal project dating back to the term of former president Thabo Mbeki.

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Intelligence Minister Siyabonga Cwele was also on the scene on Wednesday.

It is understood that an arrest was made for the burning of the IEC tents on Tuesday evening.

Residents on Wednesday went about their business as usual amidst the heavy police and army presence. By 8.30am a long queue had developed outside the polling station.

On Tuesday, community members complained about possible irregularities in the polls and had said they would register their complaints with the IEC.

The IEC has expressed concern over the poor youth turn out at Development Hub voting station in Bekkersdal.

"It is a concern but it is still early days," IEC provincial electoral officer Masego Sheburi said.

"We are hoping the youth will come out later in the day."

Mr Sheburi said they would have preferred people going to vote early in the morning. He praised the spirit and resilience of the elderly following the torching of the voting station tent.

"They have been here since before break of dawn even before we had a structure. They were still standing here and saying they are going to vote and would wait for as long as it takes to establish your voting station," he said.

With Sapa