Ward 18 swings into by-election mode
The future of Ward 18 is in your hands.
FOLLOWING the election of former councillor, Tim Brauteseth, to national parliament, Ward 18 now braces itself for another round of election activity in the lead up to the by election on 2 July.
The first stop along this road is the registration weekend, which takes place this weekend, Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June. This weekend presents an ideal opportunity for Ward 18 residents who did not register for the national and provincial elections, to have their say and cast their votes.
Voters who are registered outside of Ward 18, but now reside in Ward 18, must also register in their correct voting station area to be able to participate in the by election.
Brauteseth said he is aware that some voters are confused between national and local elections.
“In a national election, a voter may vote anywhere. In a local government election, like the one on 2 July, voters must vote where they reside. Any voter who is unsure of where they are registered can SMS their ID number to 32810 and they will receive a message advising on their registration status,” said Brauteseth.
Registration stations are at Pinetown Civic Centre, Gelofte Hoerskool, Athol Heights Primary School, Avon Junior Primary School, Cowies Hills Community Hall and the Westville Athletics Club, will be open between 8am and 5pm on both days. Unregistered votes must take along their ID books or ID cards to register.
Residents should also keep in mind that 1 June is Comrades Day and that Josiah Gumede (Old Main) will be closed for most of the day and so necessary plans to avoid this problem should be made.
Brauteseth added that party agents will be on hand in all the voting stations to ensure that no illegal registrations take place.
“This has been a problem in the past when residents of other wards have registered in Ward 18, while not being an ordinarily resident there. We have briefed the IEC that we will take a zero tolerance stance on such activities.”
“I call on all residents to not only to register but also participate in this by election. The outcome will determine who will represent Ward 18 at council level. Failure to vote could result in a low poll and the election of an unfit candidate. The future of Ward 18 is in your hands. Make this opportunity count in your favour,” added Brauteseth.
Residents who are not sure where to register may contact Tim Brauteseth at ward18@ethekwini.org
