SA Communist Party general secretary Blade Nzimande cast his vote in South Africa's fifth post-apartheid elections at Emmarentia Primary School, in Johannesburg, on Wednesday.
Nzimande, who was on his way to KwaZulu-Natal immediately after voting, said he was delighted to have once again made his mark promptly after voting got underway at 7am.
"It really feels good to vote and in particular, to vote for the ANC," Nzimande said outside the school's hall, where voting was taking place.
"One is voting for progress. South Africa is a much changed, and a much better place than in 1994 because of the African National Congress and we must never take that for granted.
"I really felt good. It's always an emotional experience as well. For me also this was a vote, I'm sure for many other people, in celebration of 20 years of what has become a really stable democracy."
Nzimande said he was pleased to have been part of the ANC's campaign in the lead up to May 7.
"It's been heavy to campaign but I always find campaigning to be enriching and educative.
"To do those door-to-doors and listen to what people are saying and the issues that you pick up, it's a very educative experience.
"It's hard, but it's enjoyable."
Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) officials explained the voting procedure to Nzimande, before handing him the stamped ballot paper and an envelope.