There was a good turnout of first-time voters at polling stations across Algoa Country on Wednesday.
Among the new voters was 22-year-old Abigail Marais, who is autistic and stood in the queue at 6:30 to cast her vote at Riverside in Kragga Kamma.
"I have been looking forward to voting since I registered late last year," she said.
She added that she was very nervous but quickly shook it off after voting. Marais encouraged people living with autism to vote so that they could change the future.
In East London, first time voter, Leonique Pretorius, spoke to Algoa FM News at a polling station in Cambridge.
"I would like to see changes in my country and where I live. I want to be able to walk around freely," she said.
Gqeberha first time voter, Lisa, made her mark at Walmer Town Hall.
"If we don't vote then we can't actually comment on what is happening in the country. As a young South African, the main thing for us is unity in the country," she said.
Two more young people in the voting line at Kings Beach said they want to see more job creation and less corruption as they cast their votes for the first time.
"I feel good about voting. It feels really good. I'm ready to be a part of this democracy, initiate change in the country, change that we strongly need," said Arnold, who spoke to Algoa FM News while queuing to make his mark.
He said he wants to wants to see South Africa "act like a democracy" and the dream of post-apartheid South Africa coming to life.
Another first time voter, Michelle, described being there as an exciting experience.
"We definitely want to see change in the country. As young South Africans I think it is very important to vote as this is our future," she said.
She said she wants a future with less corruption and a country that is fixed.
Other voters who queued at various polling stations were unanimous on the importance of exercising one’s democratic right.
"I voted many years ago and that vote didn't make a difference and I think that's what discouraged me. But, now I'm seeing that voting is really important because if you want to see change you need to vote for it,” said Maurice Cumming-Smith.
“And, if you are not voting don't complain. That's where I'm at at the moment and that is why I am standing in the queue,” he said.
Reggie Nel, who has been voting since 1994 said the significance of voting makes waiting in line worthwhile. "I was in the line at 07:00 and came out two hours later. Voting means your voice gets heard."
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Similo Mnono, who cast his vote at the Newell High School in New Brighton in Gqeberha said the process was smooth.
"I had to come out and vote because I am a struggling entrepreneur."
Mnono said the past 30 years have not yielded anything positive. "I voted for change."
Elroy Carolus cast his vote at East Cape Midlands College, Heath Park Campus in Gqeberha. He said voting is very important as it determines the future trajectory of the country.
On the Garden Route, voters also took to their respective voting stations to cast their votes.
Among the voters was Neliswa Mhlati, who voted at the KwaNonqaba Community Hall in Mossel Bay.
"I wish the government does away with load shedding."
She also mentioned that in her community, the local municipality switches their water off if they do not pay their rates and taxes on time.
"If we can get jobs, we will pay our bills on time."
