South Africans, young and old, are showing interest in exercising their democratic right to vote during the 2019 elections. This was evident on Saturday as many went out to register to vote and check their addresses on the voters’ roll.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is hosting the registration drive this weekend opening doors to its 22 612 voting stations across the country.
According to the IEC, there are currently 2.8 million registered voters whose addresses do not show on the voters' roll. Voters are required to register where they live.
Although numbers were low at some voting stations this morning, those who came expressed their satisfaction saying they were looking forward to add their voice towards the running of the country.
Hlengiwe Mchunu, 17, from Sunnyside, Tshwane, said she came to register to vote and had waited for many years to be of elligible age to vote.
“I’m happy I would be voting for the first time next year, and that’s why I came to register because I don’t want to miss this opportunity as I want to add my voice on issues affecting young people,” Hlengiwe said.
Eighteen year old Zandelene Maritz said she was excited to vote in the 2019 election as it would her first time voting.
“It is important for the youth to come in their number and ensure that they register to vote because they are also affected with what is currently happening, amongst others the issue of free education and unemployment,” said Maritz.
Madimetja Makhafola, who is in his early thirties, said the aim for voting is to take people from where they are currently are to greener pastures.
“We don’t want to go back to where we come from and that’s why it is important for all citizens to come this weekend and make sure that their names appear on the voters roll so that they can vote in next year’s elections,” said Makhafola.
Janey Sindane aged 65, who was at Laerskool Danie Malan to check her address on the voters’ roll said she has been voting since 1994 and will never stop as it is important to take part in changing the lives of people.
“I’m old now but my vote is important for the future of my children and grandchildren. I want to do right by them,” Sindane said.
IEC official Molefe Mokgadi, who was stationed at Laerskool Danie Malan said things went smoothly, despite slow numbers.
“We arrived here at 6am and the station opened at 8am. By 10am, eight people had come to check their name from the voters roll and three came to register to vote,” Mokgadi said. – SAnews.gov.za
