Pretoria - The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has urged young people to come in their numbers to register to vote in the upcoming local government elections.
"Public participation processes are the cornerstone of our young, yet strong democracy. As such, it is imperative for young people to participate in these processes.
"This is an opportunity for them to define what becomes of their development in communities through improved service delivery," said NYDA chairperson, Andile Lungisa.
Voter registration weekend is on 5 - 6 February 2011.
Lungisa noted that through their activism, young people have the responsibility of ensuring that youth development is accelerated at local government level. They should also take practical steps to ensure public representatives are held accountable, and that delivery continues to improve their lives.
"We must continue to do away with the perception that young people are often complacent and apathetic to issues of governance. We strongly encourage young people to register to vote over the weekend of February 5 and 6. When the time comes, they should vote during the local government elections and further strengthen our democracy," Lungisa said.
He also commended government in its efforts to include the youth in fora that mattered, such as the Integrated Development Plans of municipalities.
To register to vote, you need a bar coded South African ID book or a temporary identity certificate. To apply for these documents, go to your nearest Home Affairs office.
For more information on registration, people can go to the IEC's website, www.elections.org.za
