Voting in South Africa's fourth national poll was going smoothly but the weather was causing some concern in places, Independent Electoral Commission ( IEC) chairwoman Brigalia Bam said on Wednesday.

"Most areas were on time," said Bam at a voting station in Parktown.

But as the first winter cold set in, there were concerns about the weather especially in the Eastern Cape.

"Especially in Kokstad, it is so cold, those poor people, but at least there is no flooding."

She said voting materials were in place, which was a relief.

An African Union observer Salim Salim said he was very pleased so far with what he had seen.

"I'm happy and optimistic, the whole process is going well. It's great for the whole of South Africa and the whole continent."

Bam was at the Holy Family Convent in Parktown to watch former president Thabo Mbeki vote.

She says this was a courtesy extended by the IEC.

"They meet the former presidents and they check the process. This is a courtesy that we do and we do it on behalf of the Electoral Commission."

She had just travelled from Pretoria where she had greeted President Kgalema Motlanthe where he voted, and after Mbeki's vote she set off for Houghton Estate to receive former president Nelson Mandela.