Johannesburg — ASPIRANT African National Congress (ANC) MP and struggle stalwart Winnie Madikizela-Mandela said yesterday she would work tirelessly to serve the interests of the people.

Speaking after casting her vote at Soweto's Orlando West High School, she said the elections were special because people were starting to claim back the "lost vibrancy" within the ANC.

"Today South Africans are claiming back the vibrancy of the organisation. So far, we have received countless wake-up calls from the people in areas such as Khutsong and Matatiele. We are ready to serve their interests."

Early yesterday more than 300 Alexandra residents boycotted the elections in protest against "lies and blunted promises" by politicians. They demonstrated peacefully, holding up posters which read "One Vote One House".

Protest leader Lewinsky Booi said it was useless to vote and residents decided to protest because no one from the ruling party was prepared to listen to them.

He alleged that government officials were giving away houses to foreign nationals instead of locals.

"At this moment, voting does not mean anything to us. We need proper shelter and running water. We feel like foreigners in our own country," he said.

Booi said the majority of the protesters had voted in previous elections but had not benefited . He said residents were prepared to fight for their rights.

In most parts of Sandton and Soweto, the elections ran smoothly despite long queues . African Union observers at a Sandton polling station said the process was peaceful.