The publication rounds up 2024’s big stories

As 2024 comes to an end, the publication looks at big stories that made headlines, and the 2024 National elections made the top of the list.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke as a guest at the Wits School of Governance Dialogue: In their Voices and through Their Lenses on May 10.

Ramaphosa reflected on the country’s past 30 years, “Some people may categorise the years in which a country went through horrible periods of racism, oppression, and exploitation. Some might also classify it as a miracle, a miracle that people for the longest time never thought would happen.”

Also read: Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) gears up for the 2024 elections

Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)’s preparations for National elections

The Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa hosted a multi-stakeholder dialogue to address the issue on April 8 at Radisson Blu Sandton.

The Independent Electoral Commission examined the impact of disinformation and misinformation on the electoral process and the role of each stakeholder.

Also read: Vox pop: Locals weigh in on the importance of voting in the upcoming elections

“From our vantage point as the IEC, there is an urgency and responsibility in the fight against the triple ills of misinformation and disinformation. Our democratic process is under threat from society, the dangers of the triple ills look large, casting a shadow over the integrity of the electoral processes and the foundations of our democracy,” noted IEC chairperson, Mosotho Moepya .

St John’s College teachers and learners head to the polls

To curb voter apathy at the grassroots level, St John’s College held numerous voter awareness activities with mock voting being the latest on May 15.

Executive headmaster of St John’s College Stuart West said mock voting is part of the school’s tradition and was a way to encourage learners to be active citizens in a democracy.

“The school has always attempted in an election year to not only bring in political parties but also to create awareness around the rights of democracy and the need for learners to be aware of the issues. To be aware that their civic engagement is critical to the country’s future and that we cannot have an apathetic approach to the elections and the issues our nation faces,” he said.

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