Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane urges youth to vote
In celebrating 20 years of democracy, Gauteng Provincial Government in partnership with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the Department of Home Affairs, has launched the youth civic voter campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness amongst young people on the importance of voting.
Today, Premier Nomvula Mokonyane met with the youth in Region 2, Hammanskraal as part of the youth civic voter campaign to inspire young people to become active citizens and make their voices heard through proper channels like voting.
Addressing the youth, Premier Mokonyane hailed the spirit of Solomon Mahlangu; a fallen icon who dedicated his life to the struggle for freedom. She said Mahlangu, though a young person at the time, dedicated his time to fighting for freedom that many young people today take for granted.
Mokonyane urged the youth in Region 2 to make use of proper channels to voice concerns and become active in building and promoting democracy in the country.
"The youth have a responsibility to defend the country's democracy and the only way to defend the legacy of icons like Solomon Mahlangu is for the youth to become active and participate in the coming general elections," said Mokonyane.
Mokonyane also condemned the riot in Region 7, Tshwane, where young people were arrested in connection with the torching of the community library and satellite police station. Chairman of the Youth Development Unit at City of Tshwane Municipality, Sibusiso Ngobeni, encouraged the youth to make use of government resources that were not available prior to the 1994 elections.
He appealed to the youth to refrain from groups that pride themselves in instigating chaotic protests for financial or political gain. Ngobeni said programmes like youth forums and development initiatives are available to elevate issues of young people to high levels of government and to provide assistance, be it skills training or further education.
He encouraged the youth to make use of the final chance to register to vote in the coming general elections. This weekend, eligible voters have been given the final opportunity for people to register to vote in the May 7 elections.
Michael Makobe from IEC said voting stations will be opened from 8-5 pm on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 February. He said the IEC does not campaign for any political party but ensures that elections are free and fair.
"The "I vote South Africa" is a campaign to motivate people to vote. Don't be a bystander, cast your vote and make your voice heard. Your vote is your voice and responsibility" said Makobe in his address to the youth in Region 2.
For more information:
Thebe Mohatle, Premier's spokesperson
Cell: 082 373 1146
