South Africans vote in local elections as results are expected by Friday

According to the Independent Electoral Commission, more than 29 million citizens registered to cast their ballots at 23,700 locations nationwide.

Preliminary data from the commission indicated that approximately 12 million people had voted by 5 pm. Officials stated that they were pleased with the level of participation despite encountering some operational difficulties during the day.

The electoral body expects to release the final verified results by Thursday or Friday. Several political organisations are participating in the polls including the governing African National Congress and the Democratic Alliance.

Former President Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe Party is also contesting local elections for the first time. Many residents told reporters they wanted the new leaders to improve basic services such as water supply and public safety.