COGTA Minister calls for end to violence
The Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Des Van Rooyen has condemned the violence that has occurred at some voter registration stations around the country. While registration at the majority of the 22 617 voting stations occurred without incident, about 40 stations were affected for a variety of reasons.
A key factor has been the incidence of violence and intimidation that occurred at some voting stations. The areas worst affected were Vuwani in the Vhembe District Municipality in Limpopo, Paarl and Wellington in the Western Cape. Minister Van Rooyen urged all leaders, including traditional leaders to take responsibility for the violence and work towards ending it.
“We cannot allow voting stations to be closed as a result of violence and intimidation. Too many people have paid the ultimate price so that all South Africans have the right to vote. By denying people the right to register, you are effectively denying them that right enshrined in our Constitution – that is the right to vote. I urge all leaders to bring an end to the violence,” said Minister Van Rooyen.
“On this last day of voter registration I urge all communities to allow citizens to register to vote or to update their voting details. Let us give all South Africans the freedom to register in order to exercise their political choice,” said Minister van Rooyen.
For more information, please contact:
Tsakani Baloyi
Cell: 082 052 0892
