Lerato Mbhiza
THE Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has confirmed that more than a million South Africans registered to vote for the first time over the past weekend – the last two days for those who were not registered to vote for the 2024 National General Elections.
Of these, over 500 000 people walked into registration stations on Saturday and by 1pm on Saturday, another 564 715 had registered by close of business on Sunday.
The IEC said the Commission recorded 67 200 online registration transactions on Saturday and 34 293 registrations on Sunday. The highest number of South Africans registered to vote were in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
The eagerness and the determination to vote in the upcoming elections was reflected by residents of Dobsonville Ext 3 in Gauteng Soweto who went out in numbers to register, while some skeptics refused to go and register citing disappointments in the ability of the government to deliver services.
Lusanda Dlamini said he’s not interested in voting because it won’t change the Unemployment in the country.
“I am not registered and I won’t go to register because there are no jobs, what are we voting for? No jobs and load shedding which doesn’t seem to end, is making our lives a living hell. I am not going to vote and that decision was not taken lightly,” he said while standing a few meters away from the Lodirile Primary School voting station.
But James Ndlovu said he is going to vote for a government of his choice, which is the main motivation for him to take the time to register on Sunday.
“I believe as the youth, we need to take a firm political stand. As you can see, I am young and eager to exercise my right to vote. That is the only way to bring about change,” he added.
Precious Moloi said she went to register because of a desire to influence a future with access to jobs.
“I need a better living environment – and as the youth in this country we need jobs. We are tired of being at home after graduation and doing nothing. Some graduates end up using drugs because of depression.
“I want to see change in the political system. I want to see Ramaphosa out of the office. The youth need to register so the change that we want can happen”
INSIDE POLITICS
