…Researched and contributed by Jack Sylva.
The Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Glen Mashinini, has encouraged young people in South Africa aged 16 and above to register to vote, emphasizing that the freedom-fighting generations before them fought for this right.
The IEC has launched the Schools Democracy Project in partnership with the basic education department, which aims to encourage 16-year-old and older learners to register for the upcoming elections.
While South Africans can register to vote from the age of 16, they are only eligible to vote at age 18.
The previous general elections in the country recorded a very low voter turnout, with youth votes accounting for the least as young people were pessimistic about the changes their votes can bring.
Speaking at the launch, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga believes that initiatives like this can eradicate voter apathy among the youth.
During the project launch, school learners with Identity Documents were registered on the voters roll, and the school learners expressed their joy with the program launched.
The main goal of such initiatives is to encourage and educate learners to participate in civic and democracy education as well as voter registration.
The launch of new political parties is also common in South Africa when the voting season is looming ahead.
Two new political parties, Rise Mzansi and Arise South Africa, were launched on Wednesday, April 19, 2023.
In March, former Action SA’s Gauteng leader, Bongani Baloyi, also announced his new party, Xiluva.
Encouraging young people to vote and participate in democracy education and activities may result in increased voter turnout and engagement in the upcoming elections.