Note to editors: Please find attached soundbite by Ludre Stevens and photos here, here, here, here, here and here.
South Africans abroad have heeded the call to vote as thousands have turned out at voting stations across the globe.
While voting got underway in some countries in the Middle East yesterday, the majority of stations across the world opened this morning to long queues.
In Canberra, Australia, one of the first stations to open, hundreds of South Africans stood patiently to make their mark – many of whom had driven several hundred kms from cities across the country for the day.
Europe, Africa and the Middle East followed a few hours later where queues have gathered around city blocks in cities like London and The Hague.
In Dubai, despite the intense heat, hundreds of people have also gathered to vote.
It is clear from the high voter turnout that South Africans realise the importance of this election – the most critical for our country since 1994.
London, the biggest voting station abroad with more than 24 000 registered voters, will also be open tomorrow, Sunday 19 May, for voting.
Voters are reminded that you will not be turned away if you are already in a queue once the voting station has reached its listed closing time.
We would like to thank each and every South African for coming out to vote today – we realise this is often an expensive and time-consuming exercise for people living or working abroad.
Your country has never needed you more – thank you for heeding the call!
Please head to www.da-abroad.org for all the latest news and updates.
DA representatives will be available for media inquiries in the following times zones:
Europe, Middle East and United Kingdom (London-based)
Ludre Stevens – DA Abroad Chairperson
+44 7300 374085
South Africa
Werner Horn – DA National Spokesperson
+27 83 262 2846
Australia, New Zealand and Asia
Kelly Clark – DA Abroad Communication Manager
+61 452 661 985