MyZA

News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff

You are here: Home / Archives for Vote

Vote

South Africans in London urged to cast their vote

Location: News

South Africans in London urged to cast their vote

The Electoral Commission has called on South Africans living in London to make their voices heard by casting their vote in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

“Today is your last chance to make your voice heard in the #SAelections24. Remember to bring your ID and share a pic of your inked thumb! The voting station is open from 7am-9pm,” said the Commission in a social media post on X on Sunday.

This as the Electoral Commission announced a smooth start to special voting abroad at nine South African missions on Friday, 17 May 2024.

The Commission had designated 17 May 2024 as a special voting day at nine foreign missions as follows: Algiers, Amman, Cairo, Damascus, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Ramallah, Riyad, and Teheran.

"We are pleased that South Africans living abroad have heeded the call to vote. It is appropriate at this time to also  express gratitude to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the Department of Home Affairs for their ongoing support,” said Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo.

“The Commission reminds voters that the 102 missions with a work week from Monday–Friday will vote tomorrow, Saturday, 18 May, between 7am and 7pm,” it said in a statement on Friday afternoon.

Due to the large voter population, the Commission determined two days of special voting for London.

“These are Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May 2024 from 7 am to 9pm. The additional  voting day and extended voting hours are intended to enable proper arrangements for the 24 535 voters entitled to vote at the mission.”

Mamabolo reminded voters that, by law, South Africans abroad and those voting outside of their provinces of registration, will only vote on the national compensatory ballot.

The 2024 National compensatory ballot has 52 political parties arranged in two columns. Voters are reminded to make a mark against a single party on the ballot.

Voters out-of country on special voting days must present in person at a mission at which they are registered (or where they have successfully applied for a special vote by VEC 10 notice), and will vote as follows:

  • A voter will present their South African identity document (ID) book, smartcard or temporary identity certificate to the election official (copies of identity documents and images saved on devices are not competent forms of identification for voting).
  • The left thumbnail of the voter is marked with indelible ink to indicate that they have voted.
  • The name of the voter is marked off the list of voters approved to vote at that mission to indicate that the voter has participated in the election.
  • The voter is issued with the National compensatory ballot paper.
  • The voter will mark the ballot in secret, and place and seal the ballot in an unmarked envelope which will in turn be placed in a second envelop marked with details of the voter and the mission.
  • After the voting process, cast national compensatory ballots will be transported through a secure channel back to the national office of the Electoral Commission for counting. The votes will be counted in the presence of agents representing contestants after the close of the voting stations in the country.

Meanwhile, with JUST days left to the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on voters to exercise their right to vote.

“Your vote is important. Your vote counts,” he said in a message to the nation. -SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Sun, 05/19/2024 - 11:41

1080 views
Read moreSouth Africans in London urged to cast their vote

Overseas special votes conclude

Location: News

Overseas special votes conclude

The Electoral Commission (IEC) has confirmed that overall, special voting abroad proceeded smoothly with no major incidents.

“This is a testament to the meticulous logistics, planning, and execution of those plans across all missions. The Commission expresses gratitude to South Africans who cast special votes in missions around the world,” the IEC said on Sunday.

Special votes are designed to ensure that special measures are put in place to make certain that citizens who would otherwise not be able to vote have opportunities to do so.

Such special measures have been implemented between 17 and 18 May 2024 in 111 South African missions across the world to facilitate voting by around 78 000 citizens.

“Appreciations are also due to voters who in some instances had to endure intemperate weather, wait in queues for extended periods, and travel significant distances. In many stations, a steady flow of voters was reported throughout the day with some missions only closing some two hours beyond their scheduled operating hours.

“Notwithstanding, voters still expressed gratitude on social media and other platforms for the seamless voting experience and level of service they received at stations,” the IEC said.

The mission in London in the United Kingdom is the only voting station that will remain open today, Sunday, 19 May 2024 until 9pm in order to cater for the more than 24 000 voters who are registered and approved to vote at that mission.

READ | South Africans in London urged to cast their vote

READ | Call to vote in upcoming elections

“At this stage, any reports on voter turnout should be treated as unconfirmed. Analysis of the reports would be speculative. The ballots may only be counted after the close of voting stations in the country on 29 May. Only then may the Commission communicate definitively on turnout for the election.

“All ballots cast as well as unused ballot papers from all the 111 missions, will now be transported via a secure channel back to the country. The necessary verifications and counting of the ballots will take place in the presence of representatives of contestants and observers,” the Commission said.

READ | Elections out of the country commence

The arrangements of special votes would not be possible without the support of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the dedication of the staff of the department and heads of missions around the world.

“With overseas voting completed, the Electoral Commission turns its attention to preparations for the in-country special voting which will take place two days before election day on May 27 and 28. There are 1.7 million approved special votes.

“About 653 000 of these are home visit special votes while just over 1 million are voting station special votes. In all, there is at least a single approved special vote in 22 626 of the total 23 292 network of voting stations,” the IEC said.

The IEC has re-emphasised to the general principle that voters may only vote at a voting station at which they are not registered if they have pre-notified the Commission.

The period of pre-notification closed on Friday 17 May 2024.

“With capturing yet to be completed, indications are that at least 387 000 voters have pre-notified the Commission of their intention to vote at another identified voting station. These voters will cast their ballots on 29 May 2024,” the IEC said.

Voters are urged to check their registration details and confirm the location of their correct voting stations ahead of election day by using the following channels:

-SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Sun, 05/19/2024 - 13:45

233 views
Read moreOverseas special votes conclude

Communities warned against vandalising election posters

Location: News

Communities warned against vandalising election posters

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has cautioned communities against vandalising, defacing and removing posters of political parties ahead of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

“Anyone found to be tampering with these posters or vandalizing them will be arrested. Such cases have been reported and arrests have been made,” Deputy National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said on Sunday in Pretoria during a media briefing.

Led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the State Security Agency (SSA), the NATJOINTS reminded communities that the Constitution protects citizens’ rights to make political choices.

WATCH | NATJOINTS media briefing 

 

These rights, includes the right to participate in the activities of, or recruit members for a political party and to campaign for a political party or cause.

In addition, the Electoral Act 73 of 1998 prohibits the unlawful removal and defacing of posters published by a registered party.

On 29 May 2024, South Africans will once again get an opportunity to exercise their right to vote in the 2024 National and Provincial elections, which marks the country's seventh democratic elections.

READ | NATJOINTS to ensure peaceful elections

Fake news

The NATJOINTS has urged members of the public to fact-check information first before sharing it on social media platforms.

“One of our biggest threats at the moment is fake news. We strongly condemn the spreading of fake news, unverified information, rumours or threats as this seeks to cause panic and confusion, and in some instances incite possible violence.

“Those who are found to be sharing inflammatory messages and inciting violence will be charged accordingly. We, therefore, urge prompt reporting of these incidents to ensure that law enforcement deals with such issues,” Mosikili said.

She called on political leaders to be responsible in the manner in which they communicate on public platforms.

“We have noted an increase in the number of service delivery related protests. To mitigate this, increased police visibility through the deployment of the public order policing unit has been made to potentially volatile areas to address large crowds.

“We will continue to work closely with key role players to monitor developments and attend to them. Law enforcement agencies are on the ground and will continue to apply fundamental policing principles, guided by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. Every law enforcement officer has a responsibility and an obligation to execute their mandate, professionally, impartially and with integrity, and to do so within the confines of the laws of the country,” the Deputy National Commissioner said.

The NATJOINTS said measures that have been put in place to ensure that the country’s upcoming general elections proceed without any incidents of crime and disruptions.

“Having conducted a national security assessment with key role players in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, we are satisfied with the operational plan that is currently being implemented, and can assure South Africans that a conducive environment for a peaceful election has been prepared.

“While measures have been put in place, the ultimate responsibility of a safe and secure election lies with each one of us. It is a partnership that is required to create harmony, respect for self and others even as we make our way to the polls and back home,” Mosikili said. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Sun, 05/19/2024 - 12:28

144 views
Read moreCommunities warned against vandalising election posters

NATJOINTS to ensure peaceful elections

Location: News

NATJOINTS to ensure peaceful elections

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has assured South Africans that a conducive environment for a peaceful election has been prepared.

“As the NATJOINTS, we are confident that the measures that have been put in place are sufficient to ensure that the country’s upcoming general elections proceed without any incidents of crime and disruptions,” Deputy National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said on Sunday in Pretoria during a media briefing.

Led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the State Security Agency (SSA), the NATJOINTS has conducted a national security assessment with key role players in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster.

WATCH | NATJOINTS briefing 

On 29 May 2024, South Africans will once again get an opportunity to exercise their right to vote in the 2024 National and Provincial elections, which marks the country's seventh democratic elections.

“The planning for the safety and security of the 2024 General Elections has been finalised. The operational phase will commence from Wednesday, 22 May 2024 with the activation of the NATJOINTS Coordination Centre, until 09 June 2024

“This NATJOINTS Coordination Centre (NCC) is operating around the clock, closely monitoring the situation in the country through proactive identification of threats and vulnerabilities. The centre serves as a central point of contact for coordination of information and the reporting of incidents to ensure a swift, prompt and coordinated response,” Mosikili said.

This is where all operations in relation to major events in the country including the National and Provincial General Elections will be coordinated.

The NCC structure is mirrored at provincial level through the Provincial Joint Operation and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS), which is activated through the provincial joint operation centres.

The NATJOINTS and PROVJOINTS five-pillar approach is being implemented to ensure that all areas of concern are covered through:

  • Intelligence gathering, analysis and co-ordination;
  • Proactive approach, which includes high visibility to police, prevent and respond to any crime eventuality;
  • Combat approach through law enforcement in response to any violation of the law through deployment of specialized units, supported by the SANDF should the need arise for the SANDF to exercise their secondary role of supporting the SAPS;
  • Reactive approach through detection and case management; and the fifth approach; and
  • Awareness and information sharing led by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Electoral Commission (IEC), the NATJOINTS and other government departments in keeping interest parties and communities at home and abroad updated through messaging that will enhance the safety and security of everyone in the country. The media will continuously be updated on a daily basis during the election period by the NATJOINTS.

“While measures have been put in place, the ultimate responsibility of a safe and secure election lies with each one of us. It is a partnership that is required to create harmony, respect for self and others even as we make our way to the polls and back home,” she said.

Risk assessment

Working through the Operational Intelligence Co-ordination Committee (OICC), the NATJOINTS have identified a number of high-risk voting stations and potentially volatile areas, which are being monitored on an on-going basis.

“Deployments are subsequently proportional to the level of risk identified through intensified operations, informed by thorough analysis and intelligence-based reports.

“Threats identified such as community protests are already being attended to and those that are found to be in contravention of the law are being dealt with. Our Public Order Policing Units are on the ground and are ready to prevent and combat any such incidents,” Mosikili said.

The NATJOINTS is aware of social media posts calling for a shutdown by a group of truck drivers.

“As previously communicated, there will be zero tolerance towards threats, intimidation and closure of our roads. Law enforcement agencies are on high alert to ensure there are no criminal activities and that law abiding citizens are not inconvenienced. We call on the Road Freight Industry workers to communicate their grievances within the confines of the law. We reiterate our stance, that no lawlessness and any form of criminality will be tolerated,” she said.

The NATJOINTS is in the first phase of the elections.

“To this end, the NATJOINTS is satisfied that from a security point of view, the securing of voter registrations, policing of gatherings, celebrations and demonstrations, intensifying stabilization at hotspot areas across the country, enhancing visibility and ensuring crime prevention around election related matters, has been executed with precision.

 “The second phase of the election, which is the period from the 27th [of May 2024] up until the announcement of the results, will see static deployments at voting stations, escorting of voter material and IEC staff, securing of election warehouses, transportation of voting material and the enforcement of the Electoral Act,” Mosikili explained.

During the third phase, which is the period after the election results have been officially announced, plans are already in place for police to monitor celebrations and gatherings.

Preparations for the inauguration of the President are also in full swing.  –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Sun, 05/19/2024 - 11:53

138 views
Read moreNATJOINTS to ensure peaceful elections

Elections out of the country commence

Location: News

Elections out of the country commence

Today is the first of two days South African citizens abroad can cast their vote in the National and Provincial Elections 2024.

“South African citizens living in other countries will cast the first ballots on 17 May 2024. Nine countries will cast ballots on Friday while the rest of the 102 will cast ballots on Saturday, 18 May 2024,” Electoral Commission (IEC) Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said.

Given the high numbers of expected voters in London at 24 194, this station will operate on both the 18 and 19 May 2024.

The international segment of the voters roll for out-of-country voters has 56 698 voters, but the total number of people expected to vote is 76 580.

“This comes after the approval of 20 886 VEC10 notifications from voters who informed the Chief Electoral Officer of their intention to vote outside of the country due to temporary absence,” Mamabolo said.

The commissioner said the IEC was ready to ensure that voting goes smoothly in 111 foreign missions around the world.

“All missions have already received the election materials, which include ballot papers, voting booths, ballot boxes, envelopes and a voter list.”

Voting stations will be open from 07:00am to 19:00pm, allowing 76 580 voters to exercise their right to vote in South Africa’s 2024 National Elections.

“On both voting days abroad, the Electoral Commission will keep extended hours to assist voters with any enquiries,” he said.

WATCH | Full IEC briefing

SA citizens voting out-of-country in the 2024 National Election can only vote on one day at their mission:

- Missions with a work week from Sunday–Thursday vote on Friday, 17 May, from 7am to 7pm. The following countries are determined to vote on this Friday: Algiers, Amman, Cairo, Damascus, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Ramallah, Riyad and Teheran.

- Missions with a work week from Monday–Friday vote on Saturday, 18 May, from 7am to 7pm.

Two days of special votes have been determined for the UK based on the number of voters who will vote at that mission. – SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Fri, 05/17/2024 - 09:38

688 views
Read moreElections out of the country commence

IEC ready for voting outside the country

Location: News

IEC ready for voting outside the country

The Electoral Commission (IEC) has outlined the process for voting outside the country, allaying the fears of those who are unfamiliar with the procedures for voting in an overseas setting.

Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said Friday will mark yet another milestone in the elections timetable - the first day of voting in the National and Provincial Elections 2024 – when citizens abroad can vote.

“South African citizens living in other countries will cast the first ballots on 17 May 2024. Nine countries will cast ballots on Friday while the rest of the 102 will cast ballots on Saturday, 18 May 2024,” Electoral Commission Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said at a media briefing held in Pretoria.

“Given the high numbers of expected voters in London at 24 194, this station will operate on both the 18 and 19 May 2024,” he said.

Read: All systems go for elections

Mamabolo said the international segment of the voters roll for out-of-country voters has 56 698 voters, but the total number of people expected to vote is 76 580.

“This comes after the approval of 20 886 VEC10 notifications from voters who informed the Chief Electoral Officer of their intention to vote outside of the country due to temporary absence,” he said.

The commissioner said the IEC was ready to ensure that voting goes smoothly in 111 foreign missions around the world.

“All missions have already received the election materials, which include ballot papers, voting booths, ballot boxes, envelopes and a voter list.”

Voting stations will be open from 07:00am to 19:00pm, allowing 76 580 voters to exercise their right to vote in South Africa’s 2024 National Elections.

“On both voting days abroad, the Electoral Commission will keep extended hours to assist voters with any enquiries,” he said.

WATCH | Full IEC briefing

 

SA citizens voting out-of-country in the 2024 National Election can only vote on one day at their mission:

- Missions with a work week from Sunday–Thursday vote on Friday, 17 May, from 7am to 7pm. The following countries are determined to vote on this Friday: Algiers, Amman, Cairo, Damascus, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Ramallah, Riyad and Teheran.

- Missions with a work week from Monday–Friday vote on Saturday, 18 May, from 7am to 7pm.

Two days of special votes have been determined for the UK based on the number of voters who will vote at that mission. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Wed, 05/15/2024 - 13:32

453 views
Read moreIEC ready for voting outside the country

All systems go for elections

Location: News

All systems go for elections

The Electoral Commission Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, says it's all systems go for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

South Africans will go to the polls on Wednesday, 29 May, to elect the leadership of the seventh administration out of the 70 political parties and 11 independent candidates that were published by the IEC as final contestants in these elections.  

In total, there are over 14 903 candidates vying for 887 seats in the National and Provincial Legislatures. There are 27.79 million registered voters.

Moreover, out-of-country voting is scheduled to take place in 111 foreign missions on Friday, 17 May and Saturday, 18 May 2024. More than 78 000 South African citizens living in other countries will cast their vote on 17, 18 and 19 May 2024.

“In these elections, voters will receive three ballot papers: the national compensatory ballot for political parties, provincial and regional for parties and independent candidates,” Mamabolo said on Tuesday.

WATCH | Three ballots explained

 

Addressing media in Pretoria on the state of readiness for the General Elections, Mamabolo reminded voters to make only one mark against a party or candidate of their choice.

“One ballot, one mark,” he said.

Mamabolo said lease agreements for 23 303 permanent voting stations have been signed and concluded.

“Of these, 62% are schools, 9.7% are places of worship and the balance of 28% include all other categories, such as community halls and other municipal facilities.”

Mamabolo said the IEC is in the final stages of training 202 500 voting officials, who will discharge the responsibility of administering the electoral process in the voting stations.

“The addition of a new category of staff to assist the presiding officer with the counting effort is another significant step towards improving the quality of counting.”

According to Mamabolo, three such staff will be appointed for each voting station and for each sub-station where a voting centre is being operated.

“To this end, a total of 191 185 staff have been appointed,” he said.

WATCH | Full IEC briefing 

 

Results Operations Centre

As part of final preparations, Mamabolo said the Commission will launch the national Results Operations Centre (ROC) on Wednesday, 22 May 2024.

“The national ROC will be based at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg. It will house Commission members, as well as representatives of key service providers such as Eskom and Parliament, representatives of contestants running in the national elections, domestic and international observer missions, and media organisations.

“The Commission is pleased to share that a record 160 organisations, with 5 000 observers domestically and from around the world, will be observing South Africa’s 2024 General Elections,” Mamabolo said.

Mamabolo explained that about 15 of the observer organisations are international and include the African Union, the Carter Centre’s Democracy Program, and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.

Making voting easier

With regards to measures put in place for people with disabilities, Mamabolo said the Commission has implemented measures to make the voting process more accessible to all South Africans, regardless of physical abilities.

“Voting officials will assist voters who require assistance on voting day. Working with the South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB), we have developed a voting aid, the Universal Ballot Template (UBT), to increase the chances of them confidently and confidentially exercising their right to vote,” Mamabolo said.

Mamabolo has also reminded the voters to vote where they are registered.

“It is therefore appropriate that, ahead of the elections, we remind voters of the general rule in elections that a person votes at a voting station where they have registered. The only exception to the general rule is that a voter may vote outside of their registered voting district only after notifying the Commission.

“Notifications in this regard will close this Friday, 17 May. As of today, approximately 199 092 notifications had been approved,” Mamabolo said.

The Commission also called on registered voters to check their voting station ahead of election day.

According to the Commission, a number of channels are available to assist voters with checking their registration, including:

  • SMS your ID number to 32810.
  • Use the voting station finder application on the IEC website.
  • Contact help centre on 080011800.
  • Download the IEC APP from the Appstore.

“We call on South Africans both abroad and here at home to come out in numbers and excise their democratic rights.

“We further continue our call to citizens, media members and political party leaders to set a good example and foster an electoral environment based on trust, integrity, and respect for all.

“The Electoral Commission, for its part, commits to declaring an election outcome based on South African voters' choices,” Mamabolo said.

Mamabolo said the counting of votes will take place at each voting station in the presence of political party agents and observers.

“There will be a result slip at the conclusion of the count which will be displayed at that voting station. All interested are allowed to capture a photo of that official result of that voting station, with their gadgets,” Mamabolo said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 05/14/2024 - 13:29

308 views
Read moreAll systems go for elections

MDDA partners with media for elections training

Location: News

MDDA partners with media for elections training

In preparation for the 2024 National Elections, the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) has collaborated with the Electoral Commission (IEC) for the past year to implement a training programme for the community media sector to improve their coverage of the elections.

Through this partnership, the sector has been taken through the legislative amendments (Electoral Act), the Electoral Code of Conduct, prohibited conduct and applicable penalties, and free and fair elections.   

“For the first time since the first democratic elections in 1994, voters will have a wider range of options in terms of the individuals or political parties they want to elect for the National and Provincial Elections.

“As a result of amendments to legislation governing elections, voters will only be able to vote anywhere after notifying the IEC of the intent to such. Failing such notification, voters will only vote where they are registered,” the MDDA said on Monday.

Furthermore, voters will be faced with three ballots instead of the two as was done in previous elections. Independents may now contest National and Provincial Elections.

“Elections are a critical part of democracy. They give power to voters to choose their leaders and hold them answerable for their performance and level of service in office. Further, elections enable people through voting the opportunity to express their views on current issues as well as their frustrations towards leaders who may be failing them.

“However, to vote efficiently and choose a party or leadership that will enable the fulfilment of an equitable society, voters need to know where candidates and parties stand on public policy issues,” MDDA Chief Executive Officer Shoeshoe Qhu said.

With only three weeks left until Elections Day, the Agency is hosting its final leg of the elections capacity-building programme.

They will be conducting elections readiness sessions starting on 17th of May with an online session focusing on IEC legislative amendments and announcements, followed by a roundtable discussion on the 20th May 2024 unpacking the importance of safety on election day, the role of the church in politics and the impact of political party messaging.

The series of events will end with a full day workshop on focusing on fact checking, verification and the impact of generative AI on journalistic content training session on 22 May 2024.

The elections will take place on Wednesday, 29 May 2024. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

nosihle
Mon, 05/13/2024 - 10:46

393 views
Read moreMDDA partners with media for elections training

IEC to brief on election readiness

Location: News

IEC to brief on election readiness

The Electoral Commission (IEC) will on Tuesday brief media on the general readiness for 2024 National and Provincial Elections at Election House in Centurion.

“The briefing will cover the preparations for out-of-country voting, which is scheduled to take place in 111 foreign missions on Friday, 17 May and Saturday, 18 May 2024,” the commission said in a statement.

More than 78 000 South African citizens living in other countries will cast their vote on 17, 18 and 19 May 2024. 

The Commission also reminded voters that the deadline for applications to vote outside of their district is on Friday, 17 May 2024 at 5pm. 

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission says it has noted the Constitutional Court ruling on the matters brought before it by three political parties concerning their exclusion from the national and provincial ballots.  

The three parties -- the Labour Party, the African Congress for Transformation Party, and the African Alliance for Social Democrats Party -- approached the Constitutional Court on an urgent basis to re-open the candidate nomination and submission period of the election timetable and/or postpone the elections as proclaimed.

During a hearing on Friday, the Constitutional Court ruled that the three parties will be excluded from the ballot paper of the 2024 elections.

“The ruling by the Constitutional Court allows the Electoral Commission to continue with final preparations for the general elections on Wednesday, 29 May 2024. The Electoral Commission is focused on fulfilling its mandate of delivering free, fair, and credible 2024 National and Provincial Elections,” the Commission said.  – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Sun, 05/12/2024 - 11:15

300 views
Read moreIEC to brief on election readiness

Gauteng legislature committee approves safety plans for elections

Location: News

Gauteng legislature committee approves safety plans for elections

The Gauteng Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has expressed confidence in the ability of the province’s law enforcement agencies to effectively manage any threats to the election process.

The committee has approved the safety and security plans designed to ensure a safe and secure environment during the National and Provincial Elections scheduled for 29 May 2024.

The plans were presented by the provincial Department of Community Safety and the Provincial Police Commissioner. 

Committee chairperson Bandile Masuku said given the crime rate in Gauteng, which is South Africa's largest voting province, the committee had expressed concerns about the impact this might have on the upcoming elections. 

To address these concerns, Masuku said both the Department of Community Safety and Provincial Police Commissioner outlined their comprehensive strategies to ensure the safety of voters and the smooth operation of the election process.

Masuku said the Department of Community Safety shared its approach to managing traffic, ensuring road safety, facilitating the free flow of traffic, escorting ballot papers, increasing police visibility, and preventing crime.

WATCH | Briefing on plans to ensure safe and secure elections 

Gauteng Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni also detailed how the South African Police Service (SAPS), in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, plans to maintain public order during the election period through crime prevention, combatting and investigation, and other security measures.

“The goal is to create a secure environment where voters can exercise their constitutional right to vote without fear or intimidation. Following these presentations, the committee expressed confidence in the ability of the law enforcement agencies in Gauteng to effectively manage any threats to the election process,” Masuku said. 

READ | Delivering free and fair elections

The committee also issued a warning to anyone who might consider disrupting the elections.

“Law enforcement will be on high alert and any criminal activities related to election disruptions will be dealt with firmly and legally,” Masuku said.

The committee encouraged all registered voters in Gauteng to turn out in large numbers to exercise the hard-earned constitutional right to vote for the political party of their choice. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 05/10/2024 - 11:48

37 views
Read moreGauteng legislature committee approves safety plans for elections

President launches new Home Affairs offices in Limpopo

Location: News

President launches new Home Affairs offices in Limpopo

Through the use of innovation, the Department of Home Affairs aims to offer its services at a quicker pace and closer to where people reside, says President Cyril Ramamphosa.

“The programme we are launching is called Home Affairs on Wheels, and it is going to change the provision of Home Affairs services for the better across South Africa. We don’t just want to make it easier. We want to make it faster and we want to make it cheaper.

“For many people, especially in the rural areas, travelling to reach government services can take a lot of time and be expensive,” the President said on Tuesday.

This as he officially opened the new Home Affairs offices in Mokopane, Limpopo.

“The Department of Home Affairs will soon be unveiling a kiosk model that allows you to access services just like withdrawing money at an ATM.”

President Ramaphosa said once the system is up and running, people will be able to use this walk-in kiosk to do things like applying for replacement copies of a birth, marriage or death certificate.

“You will also be able to use the kiosk to apply for a passport or a smart ID card. Another way we have taken government’s services to you, the people, is by opening Home Affairs offices in hospitals for birth registrations.

“This has made a big difference in the rate of civil registrations, and we hope it will continue to bring down the number of late registrations of births.”

Apart from the 412 Home Affairs offices in different parts of the country, the Department of Home Affairs has been able to expand the reach of services through partnerships with the banks, with shopping malls and with expanded offices like the one launched in Mokopane today.

“I call on each of you to see these new Home Affairs trucks as your own and to treat them as your own. Take pride in them and help us to care for them. These trucks are assets meant for the benefit of all people and all communities.”

He also told those at the venue that 2024 marks 30 years since South Africa attained freedom.

“With the advent of democracy, we set out on the path to restore the dignity of all South Africans. During apartheid, the regime denied black South Africans their dignity by controlling where we lived, worked and travelled.”

He added that since 1994, government has progressively built a Department of Home Affairs that is the custodian and protector of the citizens of South Africa and other people who are legally residing in South Africa.

“By recognising people’s legal identity and by providing them with the necessary documentation, the department is helping them to lead lives of dignity.

“It ensures their right to access public services and social protection. It allows them to vote, to find work, to open bank accounts and to travel beyond our borders.”

Since the dawn of democracy, government have taken important steps to ensure that civil registration is made as accessible as possible.

“The opening of the expanded Home Affairs office here in Mokopane and the introduction of these mobile offices are a great leap forward,” President Ramaphosa said.

Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, echoed the President’s call in urging communities to look after the mobile offices as they exist to serve them.

“These are for you. They are there to serve you,” the Minister said.

Services closer to home

The launch of the new Home Affairs office and the unveiling of the mobile offices was welcomed by the locals.

Rethabile Masunke from Mahwelereng told SAnews that she is happy that she is now going to get Home Affairs services closer to where she stays.

“I am happy that now I don’t have to spend money to travel to Home Affairs offices which are far,” Masunke said.

Echoing the same sentiments, was Thabo Rabotho who said he is happy with what government has done in bringing services closer to where he stays.

“Now I just walk to Home Affairs offices and apply for whatever document I need,” he said.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, the new 100 mobile offices will extend the reach of the department’s services, especially in remote areas and that the unveiling of these mobile offices is part of Home Affairs’ Hybrid Access Model which expands services in areas where the department’s footprint is limited.

The purpose-built office offers all Home Affairs services in a convenient way which includes shaded waiting areas and ample parking. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 05/07/2024 - 14:16

151 views
Read morePresident launches new Home Affairs offices in Limpopo

IEC finalising preparations for voting abroad

Location: News

IEC finalising preparations for voting abroad

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) says it is finalising preparations for the 78 092 South African citizens who applied to cast their special vote abroad. 

Working with the Department of International Cooperation and Cooperation (DIRCO), the IEC said it has begun shipping voting materials. These include voting booths, ballot boxes and papers, stationery packs, and all the relevant lists. 

The commission said voting out of the country will take place in 111 foreign missions. 

South African citizens in Algiers, Amman, Cairo, Kuwait City, Jeddah, Ramallah, Riyadh and Tehran will vote on 17 May. 

The rest of the 102 missions will make their mark on Saturday, 18 May 2024. 

The voting stations will be open from 7am to 7pm, allowing 78 092 voters to exercise their right to vote in South Africa’s 2024 National Elections.

“In respect of the mission in the United Kingdom, the commission has determined two days of special voting. These are Saturday and Sunday, 18 and 19 May 2024 from 7am to 9pm.”

The IEC explained that the extended voting hours are intended to enable proper arrangements for the 24 535 voters registered to cast their vote at the mission. 

“Similarly, extended voting hours have been prescribed for the mission in Washington DC and New York. The voting hours are 7am to 9pm.”

As per IEC, the largest international voting stations by population are London (24 535), followed by Hague (6 659), Canberra (3 674), Dubai (3 266), Dublin (3 040), Wellington (2 292), Abu Dhabi (1 825), Washington DC (1 799) and Berlin (1 476). 

Voters will need to be present in person at the mission where they are registered or where they successfully applied for by VEC 10 notice.

“After the voting process, cast national compensatory ballots will be transported through a source channel back to the national office of the Electoral Commission for counting. The votes will be counted in the presence of agents presenting contestants.” 

The IEC has since thanked its stakeholders, staff and employees from DIRCO for tirelessly working to ensure that registered voters make their mark in the upcoming elections. 

“The commission is aware that voting is not possible in some countries for security reasons. DIRCO has confirmed that the missions in Sudan, Tel Aviv and Kyiv remain closed. Unavoidably and regrettably, voters registered at these missions will not be able to vote in the forthcoming elections if they were not able to make arrangements by the 22 April deadline to vote at another mission.”

Meanwhile, IEC said it will operate extended hours on both voting days abroad to assist voters with queries. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Sun, 05/05/2024 - 13:09

81 views
Read moreIEC finalising preparations for voting abroad

Community Talent Takes Centre Stage at Golden Walk Shopping Centre: Battle of the Choirs Competition

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

Community Talent Takes Centre Stage at Golden Walk Shopping: Battle of the Choirs Competition Offers R55,000 in Prizes. Get ready for an electrifying showcase of musical talent as Golden Walk Shopping Centre in the heart of Germiston, presents The Battle of the Choirs Competition! With up to R55,000 in prizes up for grabs, this event …

Read moreCommunity Talent Takes Centre Stage at Golden Walk Shopping Centre: Battle of the Choirs Competition

Community Talent Takes Centre Stage at Golden Walk Shopping: Battle of the Choirs Competition

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

Community Talent Takes Centre Stage at Golden Walk Shopping: Battle of the Choirs Competition Offers R55,000 in Prizes. Get ready for an electrifying showcase of musical talent as Golden Walk Shopping Centre in the heart of Germiston, presents The Battle of the Choirs Competition! With up to R55,000 in prizes up for grabs, this event …

Read moreCommunity Talent Takes Centre Stage at Golden Walk Shopping: Battle of the Choirs Competition

Community Talent Takes Centre Stage at Maponya Mall: Battle of the Choirs Competition Offers R55,000 in Prizes.

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

Community Talent Takes Centre Stage at Maponya Mall: Battle of the Choirs Competition Offers R55,000 in Prizes. Get ready for an electrifying showcase of musical talent as Maponya Mall Shopping Centre in the heart of Soweto, presents The Battle of the Choirs Competition! With up to R55,000 in prizes up for grabs, this event promises …

Read moreCommunity Talent Takes Centre Stage at Maponya Mall: Battle of the Choirs Competition Offers R55,000 in Prizes.

Innovative Open-Source Platform #MyCandidate Empowers Voters for South Africa’s 2024 Elections

Location: MyPR

Innovative open-source platform MyCandidate South Africa ( #MyCandidateSA), spearheaded by Open Cities Lab (OCL), is reshaping voter engagement in South Africa’s upcoming 2024 elections. By leveraging technology to provide accessible and transparent information, #MyCandidateSA empowers voters with the knowledge they need to make informed choices at the polls. During the 2021 Local Government Elections, #MyCandidateSA …

Read moreInnovative Open-Source Platform #MyCandidate Empowers Voters for South Africa’s 2024 Elections

Applications for special votes close Friday

Location: News

Applications for special votes close Friday

Applications for special votes will close tomorrow, 3 May 2024, says the Electoral Commission (IEC).

Persons who intend to vote by special vote must first apply or cause an application to be submitted on their behalf as follows:

  • Using the secured online application form found at www.elections.org.za
  • By sending the identity number of the voter by SMS to 32249 (R1.00 per SMS) for voting station visits only
  • By submitting an Appendix 1B form at the local office of the IEC for a voting station special vote
  • By submitting an Appendix 1A form at the local office of the IEC for a home visit special vote

The commission said in a statement on Thursday that it was important for the public to note that there are two categories of special votes affected by the deadline tomorrow.

The first relates to home visits for those registered voters who are infirm or have impaired mobility. These voters may apply to be visited at home or a place of confinement.

The second category of special votes is available to any registered voter who wishes to vote early at their voting station.

The commission reiterated that there is no automatic age-based qualification for a special vote.

Special votes are available to all voters, but only upon application by the deadline date of 3 May.

Furthermore, the commission reported that over a million special votes applications have already been approved for these elections.

In terms of the election timetable, both categories of special votes will be conducted on 27 and 28 May, from 9am to 5pm.

Election Day will be held on 29 may 2024.

In the last hours before the applications deadline, the commission has called on registered voters who wish to vote by special vote to ensure that they submit applications as no late applications will be accommodated. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Thu, 05/02/2024 - 10:26

754 views
Read moreApplications for special votes close Friday

Application for special votes closes this Friday

Location: News

Application for special votes closes this Friday

Applications for special votes will close tomorrow, 3 May 2024, says the Electoral Commission (IEC).

Persons who intend to vote by special vote must first apply or cause an application to be submitted on their behalf as follows:

  • Using the secured online application form found at www.elections.org.za
  • By sending the identity number of the voter by SMS to 32249 (R1.00 per SMS) for voting station visits only
  • By submitting an Appendix 1B form at the local office of the IEC for a voting station special vote
  • By submitting an Appendix 1A form at the local office of the IEC for a home visit special vote

The commission said in a statement on Thursday that it was important for the public to note that there are two categories of special votes affected by the deadline tomorrow.

The first relates to home visits for those registered voters who are infirm or have impaired mobility. These voters may apply to be visited at home or a place of confinement.

The second category of special votes is available to any registered voter who wishes to vote early at their voting station.

The commission reiterated that there is no automatic age-based qualification for a special vote.

Special votes are available to all voters, but only upon application by the deadline date of 3 May.

Furthermore, the commission reported that over a million special votes applications have already been approved for these elections.

In terms of the election timetable, both categories of special votes will be conducted on 27 and 28 May, from 9am to 5pm.

Election Day will be held on 29 may 2024.

In the last hours before the applications deadline, the commission has called on registered voters who wish to vote by special vote to ensure that they submit applications as no late applications will be accommodated. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Thu, 05/02/2024 - 10:26

108 views
Read moreApplication for special votes closes this Friday

All systems go for registered voters to cast ballots abroad

Location: News

All systems go for registered voters to cast ballots abroad

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) says it is confident that all systems are in place for the shipment of voting materials to enable South African citizens living abroad to cast their ballots. 

The department and the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) have met and agreed on the logistics for the dispatching of election materials. 

Voting materials will be sent to all 115 South African diplomatic missions using diplomatic airfreight bags. 

“A short-term contract for this purpose is in place. The diplomatic bag is protected by diplomatic immunity. DIRCO makes use of diplomatic bags to dispatch official documents and articles to and from South Africa per the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963,” the department explained. 

According to the IEC, by law, citizens can only vote abroad on the date specified in the election timetable, which is typically 10 days before voting day in the country. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 04/30/2024 - 15:04

486 views
Read moreAll systems go for registered voters to cast ballots abroad