Close to 200 offenders registered to vote in the 2019 elections
186 Offenders at the Witbank Management Area seized the opportunity brought by the Department of Correctional Services
Offenders were ecstatic for the opportunity to register to have their say in the upcoming elections.
186 Offenders at the Witbank Management Area seized the opportunity brought by the Department of Correctional Services in partnership with the IEC to assist offenders to participate in the national elections.
Mr Nhlanhla Khumalo, an official from the IEC described the process as orderly and well organised.
He said offenders were respectful towards the IEC officials and the security team ensured everyone felt secured and safe inside the Correctional Centres throughout.
His colleague, Mr Vicky Nkosi, alluded to the fact that it is the constitutional right of offenders to exercise their right to vote.
“The same procedure will apply during the voting period, the only difference is that there will be political party agents who will be invited to ensure fairness when offenders cast their votes,” he said.
Correctional Services is hoping to increase the number of offenders to vote.
The head of the correctional centre at Middelburg indicated that many in custody do not have identity documents.
After the elections, the department would engage with the relevant departments for offenders to receive ID’s.
Two offenders who will be voting for the first time in this election expressed their gratitude to the department and IEC.
Tshepo Bohale explained the importance of voting and said he understood that his vote does not only voice his say but it paved the way for the future generation.
Fellow inmate, Abel Mawela, was thrilled to register, he encouraged all South Africans to make the right choice today for a better tomorrow!
Read more: Elections 2019: 700 000 new voters added to the voters roll https://www.citizen.co.za/witbank-news/119982/elections-2019-700-000-new-voters-added-voters-roll/
