ELECTIONS 2024: Empangeni NPO hosts voter awareness event

Political parties and IEC representatives attended Saturday’s voter education event organised by local NPO, The Linzwa Foundation.

The event, held at the University of Zululand, encouraged registered voters to make their mark on 29 May.

Linzwa Foundation founder Lindiwe Dube said this programme emanated from last month’s unemployment programme.

“A lot of people, including the youth, made it clear they were not willing to vote due to the lack of job opportunities,” said Dube.

“During our interaction, they made it clear it was hard to choose which political party to vote for.

“We felt it was vital for us to embark on voter education because most residents do not see any importance in voting.

“Some do not know the manifestos. Only those who are politically exposed can attend these [manifesto] rallies.

“Political parties do not invest or worry themselves about those living in rural areas.”

The event was attended by KwaDlangezwa township residents and representatives from the IEC, DA, Rise Mzansi, NFP, EFF, IFP, ACDP and MK.

“They were allowed to summarise their manifestos and answer some questions from the audience.

“We believe it is important for us to run such a campaign, but our biggest challenge is that we are not sponsored.

“We appreciate the role played by these political parties and hope in the future they will partner with us when we need them,” concluded Dube.

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