Cape Town - Two Capetonians used a sunny, windless election day on Wednesday afternoon as an excuse to spend some quality time away from their children.
Eytan Herskovitz, 41, and his wife Joanne, 40, sat contented on the pavement outside Jan Van Riebeeck Hoerskool in Gardens after voting.
Their children Ä eight, six and five months old Ä waited at home.
Their legs were spread out to catch the rays and they feasted on frozen yoghurt from the shop opposite the road.
“We have our nanny looking after our kids still so we'll enjoy our little peace for the next hour,” Eytan said, snuggling in close to his wife.
“Then we'll take some time out with the kids and have a nice break and lunch.”
The Herskovitzs, in the retail furniture business, were surprised by how “painless” and quick the process was at one of Cape Town central's main voting stations.
Eytan said he had also noted a difference in atmosphere compared to 1994 elections.
“I think everybody is chilled. It's a much more relaxed atmosphere now. In 1994, everyone was a bit tense. Nobody knew what to expect.”
A 42-year-old chef, who only wanted to be identified as Magaisa, agreed that this vote was different to the one he cast in Polokwane many years ago.
“Before, you know, there was quite a lot of violence but now there are no queues. Today it's quiet but I don't know about other places,” he said, standing next to his wife and eight-year-old son.
The voting station had an extremely short queue and seemed more like a fashion parade.
Young fashionistas and hipsters clutched their takeaway coffee cups and smartphones on their way into the school.
The numerous cafes and restaurants along Kloof road were packed with people taking advantage of the public holiday.
A car guard cashed in on cars desperate to find a parking spot on the road outside the school, which was already notorious for its lack of parking.
He said he was not voting because he was from the Democratic Republic of Congo and didn't count.
“I don't want to talk to the media. I'm not important,” he said before rushing off after a fancy car for a tip.
Sapa