South Africans go to the polls today, in the country's fifth general election since the end of apartheid 20 years ago.
Around 25 million people are expected to cast their vote as polls are suggesting the ruling African National Congress will emerge victorious.
South Africans queue to vote
Around one million South Africans who were born after the end of Apartheid will be voting in the elections.
President Jacob Zuma, 72, is expected to be returned for a second five-year term - even though there has been outrage after it emerged his administration had spent €16.5m on "upgrades" to his private home in Nkandla which included a swimming pool and a chicken run.
His approval ratings have slumped since the findings by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, but Mr Zuma has denied it has damaged the ANC.
But Mr Zuma said: "I'm not worried about Nkandla. The people are not worried about it.
"I think the people who are worried about it is you guys, the media, and the opposition."
The ANC's closest rival, the Democratic Alliance, has polled 16.7% nationwide since 2009.
Left-wing Economic Freedom Fighters, led by former ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema, has also made gains.
The polls close at 7pm GMT but a full result is not expected until Thursday at the earliest.
