Local councillors encourage youth to register to vote

As the clock ticks to the 2024 national and provincial elections, Tshwane ward councillors have encouraged the youth to register to vote this registration weekend.

The Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) will conduct a voter registration campaign at its 22 300 voting stations countrywide in preparation for the 2024 provincial and national elections.

To register, voters will need to bring a valid ID – smart card, green barcoded book or temporary certificate.

In the interest of successfully getting people to register, Home Affairs will open its offices nationwide during the registration weekend from November 18 to 19.

Services to be rendered are as follows:

– Issuance of temporary ID certificate

– Collection of ID

The operating hours are from 08:00 to 17:00 on each day.

Local councillor Dehan Harmse said it is of utmost importance that people, particularly the youth, register to vote.

Harmse said people must also make sure that they are correctly registered at their nearest voting station.

“This is very important to register to vote as you will not be allowed to vote anywhere else other than where you are registered.”

Harmse said voters must also be aware that in the upcoming election, there will be changes to the process.

“People will receive three ballot papers and not two – national, provincial and regional.”

Harmse said registration and voting were of utmost importance.

“Not voting is giving up your voice, your democratic right and the choice to the leadership you want.

You have the power to decide on the quality of life you want for yourself and your community, and even future generations. Voting is your chance to stand up for the issues you care about,” Harmse said.

He said the youth is encouraged to make the right choice for their future.

“If young people don’t vote, then the future is doomed and the democracy is in danger.”

He said this election will be a watershed moment and might even be more significant than the 1994 elections.

“If South Africans want to make a difference, they should use their democratic right and vote in this coming election.”

MMC for human settlements Ofentse Madzebatela said 2024 elections will be a historic part of our democracy and this is all the more reason why more people should register to vote.

Madzebatela called on all the youth and Tshwane residents to go out and register to vote.

He said if you have moved house, to please report to the nearest station and register to vote.

Madzebatela said all new voters and young people must use this opportunity to participate in the democratic processes.

“Young people must not think that their votes do not count. All votes are important and influence positively the direction that our country is to take whether policy, economic, crime prevention, unemployment or any issue the youth faces, voting can help bring about change.”

He said youth feel like going to the stations and halls takes time, but things have changed and they can register to vote the easy way via the IEC website.

Tshwane mayor Cilliers Brink said all people who moved to Tshwane should register to vote in their new area.

“If you have moved to Tshwane since the last election, you must register your new address so you will be able to practice your right.”

Brink appealed to the youth, and particularly, first-time voters to register at their local voting station.

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