Edenvale youth urged to register before voter registration weekend

With the last weekend for voter registration upon us, community members, especially the youth, have been reminded to register to vote and ensure that they are correctly registered.

This appeal comes from Ward 18 Ald Heather Hart, following several in-depth discussions she and her ward committee members recently had with matric learners and senior learners from schools across Edenvale.

The last weekend voters have to register to vote is August 1 and 2.

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It can be done through the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) website.

Using the website does not cost any data.

Hart said during her discussion with some of Edenvale’s youth, many seemed to have a nonchalant attitude about why they should register to vote or even participate in the upcoming local government elections.

“The lack of comprehension about the importance of voting and the role it plays in our democratic system was evident,” said Hart.

She said when the learners were asked why they were not registered or were not voting, many cited that it wouldn’t make a difference in the greater scheme of the country.

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“It was clear that voting was not a priority for them,” said Hart.

Hart emphasised the importance of participating in local government elections.

“By participating in these elections, residents and voters are essentially deciding who will govern them and who will represent them in local government.”

Hart said as a public representative, she believes it is one of her roles to inform community members about the importance of voting, their democratic rights and responsibilities.

She believes there needs to be greater voter education at school, highlighting the importance of voting and the democratic process for learners.

“In Gauteng, there are three large municipalities all on the cusp of change, and the youth will play a major part.”

Speaking to IEC official Mulondii Dzebu, he explained that the commission does conduct outreach and education with schools and learners as elections draw nearer.

He said these programmes focus on the importance of citizen participation and encourage learners to challenge the current status quo by getting involved and being part of the change they want to see.

ALSO READ: IEC calls on citizens to update voter details before 2026 polls

“One of the challenges we do have with the outreach and education programmes is ensuring that they do not conflict or interrupt the school’s academic schedule.

“We try to work with the school and ensure that we are as accommodating as possible.”

He said the IEC’s educational curriculum material extends from the foundation phase through to the senior phase of high school.

“When we host outreach programmes with learners, we try to make it as relatable to them as possible so that they can understand the direct impact matters like service delivery have on them,” said Dzebu.