Although the Tsalala lioness was seen from the Varty Camp deck this morning, scavenging the remains of a wild dog kill in the Sand River, she wasn’t concerned with, nor did she know about, the peaceful process that was taking place only a few hundred metres away, as Londolozi and Mala Mala staff, as well as one or two guests, cast their votes in the National Elections. A voting booth was established in the Londolozi Village by the Independent Electoral Commission, and laughter and goodwill were the order of the day as voters patiently waited to make their marks.
It’s been just over 25 years since 19.5 million South Africans cast their votes in the country’s first democratic elections, and today, many millions repeated the process. Over 26 million people registered to vote, an encouraging sign of the willingness of South Africans to take their futures into their own hands.
Varty Camp butler Excellent Makamu considers his voting options…
Tracker Terrence Mahlaba was particularly excited to cast his vote!
Since our last election in 2014 our democracy has been severely tested and we have much work to do if we are to preserve the Legacy and Dreams of our former President Nelson Mandela
Many diverging opinions, ideologies and ideas have over the last few weeks and months been tested in the build-up to Election Day. The discourse has been at times forceful and always robust yet across the full spectrum of South African society, tolerance peace and non-violence has been fully respected.
Universally however, and regardless of political persuasion, South Africans remain unanimous in their desire to welcome visitors from across the world to our land of sunshine and warm hospitality.
There were a few questionable ID card photos floating around, as evidenced by Garret Fitzpatrick’s expression.
Tracker Exon Sibuyi and Air Marshal Bennet Mayimele share a laugh as they discuss the vote…
Vusi Phalembe, Founders Camp Butler, waits in line to vote behind ranger Greg Pingo and Mark Webster from the Technical Services team.
Tracker Bennet Mathonsi, proud to have played his part in South Africa’s ongoing democracy.
Annah Ndlovu from Housekeeping awaits her ballots from the IEC officials.
Tracker Raymond Mabelane, clearly quite excited about his country and its future.
Milton Khoza, one of Londolozi’s top trackers, and Pioneer Camp Sous Chef Virginia Mthabini share a hug after voting.
Voters from both Londolozi and Mala Mala Game Reserve queued together to vote.
Ranger Rob Jeffery, happy to be using his new ID card for the first time.
Domingo Sithole of the Land Care Team drops his national vote in its box.
Garrett Fitzpatrick of the Londolozi Sales Team casts his regional vote.
Jerry Hambana – Londolozi’s Head Tracker and quite possibly the nicest man in the world – and head of IT Cath Souchon wait their turn to vote.
Ranger Paul Danckwerts greets Mala Mala friends.
The all-important thumb-mark. Civic duty done. Voted!
Tomorrow the elections will be over, the battles fought and the results known and we as a country will remain alive with possibilities. And still one of the most friendly value-for-money destinations in the world!
Certainly here in the democratic republic of Londolozi the animals have had no interest in the election results and the quality of wildlife viewing remains as good as ever and we can’t wait for your next visit!
This is such a lovely feel good blog. It make me proud to be a South African.
Bro Wynn – great article. We saw in the newspaper today about the elections in S Africa, wonderful to see so many voting – keep up the good work!
What a wonderful place to be able to vote for our future South Africa – a place which works to protect and promote so much that is important in that future! Thanks for sharing the magic.
Congratulations on your Election Day!
This particular blog contrasts sharply with the chaotic snakepit which is the current state of politics here in the USA. Thank you for permitting me to vicariously revisit Londolozi every day.
How marvelous to see everyone happily voting. We so hope that South Africa can rise out of the fallout from the Zumba years. Best to everyone. Victoria
It’s been fascinating experiencing the evolution of democracy and the Mandela legacy firsthand during the past 6 years. Previously, my experiences were from afar, filled with admiration for his courage and contributions. To visit and experience the country has had a profound effect.
It’s also interesting to note that SA is experiencing some of the electoral challenges that many countries have experienced, including the US.
Ones vote may not seem like much until it is added to other singular votes and turns out to have the power to change the course of human events and perhaps even the fulfillment of freedom for all
Great to see all of the participation and also wonderful to see so many familiar faces. Never seen Bennet Mathonsi without his leather brimmed hat!,
Beautiful commentary on your elections that so many of us take for granted. It is heartening to know your voting procedures work so well and I wish RSA citizens a future of continued growth and prosperity.
My first trip to South Africa took place in December. 1995 after the lifting of apartheid. I had so wanted to visit before, but the country’s treatment against blacks was a deterrent to my travels. That first trip was life changing for me and I return every chance I get. Hopefully I’ll see all the smiling faces of Londolozi again within the next year and that today’s political outcome will be better than ours has been.
Bronwyn, It is truly exciting to see so much excitement (and participation!) in the elections! We know there are still many challenges ahead, but seeing such broad participation is a positive for sure.