SPARK Soweto and IEC mark 30 years of democracy
The school had to bring in the electoral formalities in teaching the kids everything about elections with the help of the IEC.
In celebration of 30 years of democracy, SPARK Soweto hosted a voting day in partnership with the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).
The event was aimed at teaching learners about voting and its importance in a democracy from a young age.
This is important for them so that when they reach the appropriate age, they have an idea of what is happening.
Children were able to cast votes according how normal voting procedures are done and had a chance to have a choice.
“The significance behind this day is that we want the children to learn the importance of voting and contributing towards decision making. It is also to teach them that their voices should be heard so that they can make decisions about what happens around them and in life in general,” said Thembelihle Mbambo, Assistant Principal at SPARK Soweto.
The voting was all about the school children choosing the things they would like to have. They had to choose between things such as having funky pants, picnic and their favourite lunch as a collective.
Itumeleng Thakadu, Outreach Coordinator at the IEC said, “Our job is to go out to the wards in Protea Glen to educate people about the IEC, the importance of voting and participating.
This event is in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Education. So as an office, we are tasked to be in 12 schools and conduct mock elections just like what the kids are doing today so that they learn the formalities of voting and being part of the electoral system.”
