Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr Buti Manamela will embark on a drive to encourage more young people to become eligible voters. The voter registration drive will take place in three Provinces, namely KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Gauteng.
Young people who may be first time voters or have relocated are encouraged to utilise the voter registration weekend of 5 & 6 March 2016 to register at their nearest voter registration centre. Youth who are 16 years are also eligible to register on the voter's roll, however they will only be eligible to vote when they have turned 18 years.
Deputy Minister will also take the opportunity to reiterate the message that young people matter and their voices matter too. Young people have in the past few months taken a stand in the form of protests to demand change. The voter registration weekend will focus on informing young people that voting presents them with an avenue to express their demands as well.
"Local government plays a crucial role in addressing the myriad challenges that the youth faces and it is incumbent on us to communicate that message so they know the importance of their vote." said Deputy Minister Buti Manamela.
In support of the IEC's goal to increase the number of young people under the age of 35 on the voter's roll, Deputy Minister Manamela will also visit offices of the Department of Home Affairs to monitor the services of ID applications.
Details of the voter registration drive:
Friday, 4 March 2016
Time: 18h00
Newcastle, Amajuba District, KwaZulu-Natal
Saturday, 5 March 2016
Time: 10h00
Vaalwater, Waterberg District, Limpopo Province Leseding High School
Sunday, 6 March 2016
Time: 10h00
Mabopane, City of Tshwane, Gauteng Province
Enquiries:
Matshepo Seedat
Cell: 082 679 9473
