North West Premier Thandi Modise has appealed to employers to allow their employees to participate in the national and provincial elections to be held on Wednesday.
“We welcome the commitment made by the Agriculture Sector Unity Forum that it would encourage its members not to stand in the way of workers that want to exercise their constitutional right to vote,” Premier Modise said on Monday.
Agri-North West, Transvaal Agricultural Union and African Farmers Association of South Africa made the undertaking to provincial authorities at a meeting that was held recently.
Premier Modise had during the Provincial May Day Rally held at Olympia Park warned that the provincial government will take harsh action against individual employers including big businesses that prohibit workers, including domestic workers from casting their votes.
The Premier said that there would be no compromise with those that do not comply with the electoral act.
“Many died for us to have the right to vote. We owe it to future generations to sustain the 20 years of freedom and democracy we are celebrating and that task begins with all of us acting responsibly during this exciting period in the history of our country,” she stressed.
The South African Police Service has warned that election-related offences carry a penalty of up to R100 000 or five year imprisonment face.
Criminal acts which are in contravention to the electoral act include intimidation, interruption of political meetings, to the pulling down or defacement of political party election posters.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
