IN PICS | Political leaders cast their votes - TimesLIVE

Leaders from across the political spectrum joined millions of South Africans at polling stations on Wednesday as the country headed to the polls for the local government elections.

From party leaders and senior officials to mayoral candidates, figures across parties were among those casting their ballots at voting stations nationwide. Their participation marks a significant moment in an election that will determine who governs South Africa’s municipalities for the next five years.

The election is being closely watched as parties compete for control of municipalities and metros, with service delivery, unemployment, infrastructure, water and electricity among the key issues facing voters.

Former president Thabo Mbeki talking to the media after casting his vote at Killarney Country Club in Johannesburg. Picture: Masi Losi Former president Thabo Mbeki places his ballot paper in the ballot box after casting his vote at Killarney Country Club in Johannesburg. Picture: Masi Losi Former president Thabo Mbeki, left, with MK party member advocate Dali Mpofu, at Killarney Country Club were they were casting their votes. Picture: Masi Losi Deputy president Paul Mashatile arrives at St Johannes Lutheran Church in Kelvin, Johannesburg, to vote. Picture: Thapelo Morebudi eputy president Paul Mashatile arrives at St Johannes Lutheran Church in Kelvin, Johannesburg, to vote. Picture: Thapelo Morebudi Deputy president Paul Mashatile at St Johannes Lutheran Church in Kelvin, Johannesburg, on election day. Picture: Thapelo Morebudi Deputy president Paul Mashatile casts his vote at St Johannes Lutheran Church in Kelvin, Johannesburg. Picture: Thapelo Morebudi An election official applies indelible ink to deputy president Paul Mashatile's thumbnail after he voted at St Johannes Lutheran Church in Kelvin, Johannesburg. Picture: Thapelo Morebudi Gugu Motlanthe shows off her ballot papers as former president Kgamela Motlanthe places his vote in the ballot box at Killarney Country Club in Johannesburg. Picture: Masi Losi The DA's mayoral candidate, Helen Zille, arrives at Emmarentia Primary School in Johannesburg. Picture: Refilwe Kholomonyane The DA's mayoral candidate Helen Zille voting at Emmarentia Primary School in Johannesburg. Picture: Refilwe Kholomonyane The DA's mayoral candidate Helen Zille, casts her vote at Emmarentia Primary School in Johannesburg. Picture: Refilwe Kholomonyane Action SA leader Herman Mashaba arrives at the Sandton fire station in Johannesburg to vote. Picture: Thapelo Morebudi Ethekwini mayor Cyril Xaba arriving at Cowies Hill Community Hall to cast his vote. Picture: Mlungisi Mhlophe-Gumede MK Party member advocate Dali Mpofu at Killarney Country Club where he cast his vote. Picture: Masi Losi DA eThekwini mayoral candidate Haniff Hoosen cast his vote at Glenview Primary in Chatsworth with his wife Sharon and daughter Amarni. Picture: Yasantha Naidoo DA mayoral candidate in Emfuleni Kingsol Chabalala casts his vote. Picture: Antonio Muchave DA mayoral candidate in Emfuleni Kingsol Chabalala said protecting the municipality finances will be a priority, with an assessment of its cash flow planned within the first 100 days. Picture: Antonio Muchave TimesLIVE