Over the weekend of November 18 and 19, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) conducted a crucial voter registration drive in anticipation of the upcoming general election scheduled for next year. According to StatsSA, a staggering 14 million South Africans had yet to register to vote, prompting concerted efforts from civil society, political parties, and the IEC itself to encourage registration among unaccounted citizens. The current voters’ roll stands at 26,468,106.
At the close of the first day, the IEC reported more than a million registrations across 23,296 voting stations. By 12:30 pm on Sunday, an additional 609,447 registrations had been recorded. The 2024 elections are anticipated as a pivotal moment in South Africa’s young democracy, with a widespread sentiment among citizens that change is overdue.
In Gauteng, specifically in Melville at Melpark Primary, modest numbers were reported by Democratic Alliance (DA) members stationed outside the voting station. Despite recording only ten people, they remained hopeful, citing the IEC’s announcement of the highest turnout on the first day. A father, accompanying his two first-time voter daughters, expressed satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of active citizenship.
In Midrand, Phetho Mathabula echoed the widespread call for change in the 2024 elections, emphasizing the need for a new ruling party that understands the aspirations of the younger generation. Mathabula stressed that citizens could only influence the country’s governance by registering to vote.
However, not all share the same optimism. Vusumuzi Latelisa expressed skepticism, believing the ANC would inevitably win. In Thembisa, Sharlotte, in her late 30s, shared a similar sentiment, lamenting the lack of meaningful change since her first vote at 18.
In the Western Cape, DA leader John Steenhuisen acknowledged the mixed outcomes of the registration weekend. He highlighted the increased reliance on online registrations and emphasized the importance of driving the message of registration in a province making strides against crime.
Mmusi Maimane, leader of Build One South Africa (Bosa), encouraged young people in Cape Town to register, underscoring the significance of utilizing the hard-fought democracy. Maimane emphasized the need for change in addressing issues like load shedding, education, and safety.
Visits to various voting stations in different areas revealed a slow start to registrations. Young voters like Tara Ross and Kayla Hendricks expressed their commitment to making a difference through their votes, each citing specific issues they hoped the elections would address.
Despite the enthusiasm, challenges arose, with complaints about difficulties using the online voter registration portal. Some cited technical issues, including the requirement to scan IDs, hindering completion of the registration process.
As South Africa awaits confirmation of the election date, expected between May and August 2024, the momentum for change appears to be building among citizens eager to shape the future of their nation through the power of the vote.