To mark the end of the Special Voters Registration campaign, Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Ntombi Mekgwe, visited the Vosloorus area in Ekurhuleni. MEC Mekgwe together with Community Development Workers (CDWs) assisted the identified residents with the registration process.
The campaign was the departmental initiative in conjunction with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to assist special voters to register for the upcoming national elections on 7 May 2014. The campaign, which started on the 7th of April and ends today, was implemented throughout the province. It focused on the elderly, disabled, pregnant and all voters identified by the IEC as special voters and their families.
MEC Mekgwe applauded the CDWs for the sterling work they did during the campaign. “When you were asked to do the work, you did not ask why, but like the dedicated public servants you are, took on the responsibility bestowed upon you and served the community of Gauteng,” Mekgwe said.
The MEC also encouraged the “foot soldiers” as CDWs are called in the province to continue in their stride to ensure that every citizen of the province is granted their democratic right to vote on the day of the elections. “Voting is everyone’s democratic right hence we as government should work together with the IEC to ensure that no one is left out irrespective of the state they are in,” MEC Ntombi said.
The MEC highlighted that the last day of the campaign does not mean the end of work for the CDWs. “The community relies on you to assist further with voter education, after tomorrow, the work still continues, you are our eyes and ears out there, through you the government is able to reach each and every citizen and ensure everyone is catered for,” Mekgwe mentioned.
Amongst the places the MEC visited was the Vosloorus Poly Clinic and the Vosloorus Old Age Home where she assisted the special voters with the registration process.
MEC Mekgwe also highlighted to the vulnerable the importance of voting and encouraged them to pass the message to the others to ensure that they register before the end of the day. “Spread the news to your neighbours and ensure everyone who qualifies as a special voter is registered to ensure they practice their democratic right to vote for the party of their choice,” Mekgwe reiterated.
For more information contact:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
