IEC brings voter education to schools

THE Electoral Commission of South Africa, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education, is to launch the Schools’ Democracy Programme 2022 and roll it out at schools across the country.

The objective of the programme, which has a focus week from 25-29 April to coincide with Freedom Day, is to promote electoral democracy among learners and prepare them to be active citizens who will be part of decisions about their future.

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As part of the campaign, thousands of South African pupils will engage in civic education and electoral registration activities.

IEC spokesperson Kate Bapela said the commission’s staff will be on hand to assist learners with information, and answer questions about democracy and elections, as well as demonstrate the latest election management technology.

‘Research has shown that while young people make up the majority of the South African population, their participation in the elections remains low.

The commission is addressing this through, among others, the Schools’ Democracy Programme and the Tertiary Institutions Voter Education Campaign,’ she said.

The IEC’s chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo said, ‘Empowering the young citizens of South Africa with knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for active citizenship, and encouraging them to register and vote is critical to nurturing our young democracy.

‘This is supported by research that shows that once people have voted once, they usually continue to vote in future elections.’  

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