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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

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Read moreOverseas special votes conclude

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

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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

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Read moreElections out of the country commence

When words aren’t enough: Parties falling short on climate action

Location: MyPR

In the midst of political alliances with coal lobbyists, environmentalists are urging strategic voting and active citizenship to address the deepening climate crisis and stave off the collapse of natural systems. Voting is crucial, but South Africa’s political parties are falling short on addressing urgent climate and ecological challenges. In reality, many are “schizophrenic”, “bipolar”, …

Read moreWhen words aren’t enough: Parties falling short on climate action

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Read moreGauteng legislature committee approves safety plans for elections

Looking past the elections: A more courageous role for big business in delivering the promises of the Constitution

Location: MyPR

Professor Brian Ganson is Head of the Centre on Conflict & Collaboration at Stellenbosch Business School, a hub for research and reflection on the private sector, conflict, and human security. We already know that whatever new governments emerge at local, provincial, and national levels due to voting on 29 May, they will face overwhelming challenges …

Read moreLooking past the elections: A more courageous role for big business in delivering the promises of the Constitution

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

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Read moreIEC finalising preparations for voting abroad

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

All systems go for registered South African voters to cast ballots abroad

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation
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The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) 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.

DIRCO and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) have met and agreed on logistics for the dispatching of election materials.

Voting materials will be sent to all 115 South African diplomatic missions using diplomatic airfreight bags. The 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 in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

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Apply to cast your special vote before applications close on Friday

Location: News

Apply to cast your special vote before applications close on Friday

The deadline is looming for those who wish to apply for a special vote in this year’s National and Provincial Elections (NPE). 

According to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), all applications for special votes for home and voting station visits opened on 15 April 2024 and will close on Friday, 3 May 2024.  

Home visits are intended for those voters who cannot travel to voting stations, while special votes at voting stations are for citizens unable to be at the voting station on Election Day. 

Special voting will be conducted on the two days preceding Election Day - on 27 and 28 May 2024, from 9 am to 5 pm.

Voters can apply as follows:

• Using the IEC’s secured online application at www.elections.org.za. 

• By SMSing your identity number to 32249 (R1.00 per SMS) for voting station visit only.

• By visiting your local IEC office and submitting an Appendix 1B form for a voting station special vote.

• By visiting your local IEC office and submitting an Appendix 1A form for a home visit special vote. Forms can also be hand-delivered, and someone else can deliver a form on behalf of a voter.

Meanwhile, the IEC has distanced itself from a widely circulated message claiming that it has granted permission for everyone over the age of 60 to cast a special vote on 27 and 28 at the polling station where they are registered. 

“This is not a message from the Commission. The Electoral Commission re-emphasises the general principle of election administration that voters must vote where they are registered.” 

However, in the event a voter intends to be in a different voting district on Voting Day, such a voter must notify the Commission of their intended absence from their voting district and must identify the voting station where they wish to cast the vote. 

Known as Section 24A notices, the IEC explained that these are live at www.elections.org.za and will close on 17 May 2024. 

South Africa will hold its elections on 29 May 2024. President Cyril Ramaphosa has also declared Election Day as an additional public holiday in terms of Section 2A of the Public Holidays Act 36 of 1994. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Tue, 04/30/2024 - 10:08

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Democracy restored the dignity of South Africans

Location: News

Democracy restored the dignity of South Africans

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the advent of democracy in South Africa 30 years ago allowed all South Africans to reclaim their dignity.

The President was addressing the nation through his weekly newsletter on Monday.

On Saturday, 27 April, South Africa celebrated 30 years of democracy when millions of South Africans – most voting for the first time – cast their vote in 1994 to remove the racist apartheid government from power.

This as the President led the 2024 Freedom Day national celebrations at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Saturday.

“At times of difficulty in the life of our nation, some have found themselves tempted to question whether life has really been better under democracy. For all who experienced apartheid, there can be no doubt that democracy has restored the dignity of every South African,” the President said in the newsletter.

He called apartheid and its “bureaucratic pettiness” a “national humiliation”.

“[27 April 1994] was the day on which the country turned its back on apartheid. Beyond the great wrong that was apartheid, it was a system designed to deny people their dignity.

“This national humiliation and degradation ranged from bureaucratic pettiness like whites-only benches, restaurants and beaches, to the brute force that saw families torn apart and forcibly moved from their houses and land. People were tortured, imprisoned, exiled and killed. The so-called solution of ‘separate development’ resulted in nothing but underdevelopment for the country’s majority,” he explained.

Children of democracy

President Ramaphosa expressed joy at how people born after 1994 exude confidence “secure in the knowledge that their dignity is both respected and protected”.

“Democracy’s children are self-assured about their human rights, in their citizenship, of their role and place in society, and of their own potential.

“During apartheid, Bantu education was served up to the country’s black majority as a reminder that there was no place for them ‘above the level of certain forms of labour’. In South Africa today, equal access to quality education has enabled black children to become CEOs of companies, professors, engineers, and fighter pilots.

“Young South Africans, our nation’s future, are making their mark in the workplace, in arts, culture and music, in academia, in the high-growth tech and IT sectors, and in serving their communities,” he said.

The President said a great sense of gratitude engulfs him when observing those South Africans born post-1994.

“I am grateful that they will never have to endure the humility and indignity of previous generations, of being forced to sit on separate park benches, dispossessed of their land, denied opportunities for advancement and of being pariahs in the land of their birth,” he said.

Moving forward

Reflecting on the journey to rebuilding the nation, President Ramaphosa acknowledged that “we are not as far as we had hoped to be”.

He added that while government has done much to unravel apartheid’s legacy, many local and global challenges have hampered progress.

“In recent years, as we sought to recover from more than a decade of low growth and the era of state capture, our progress was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the loss of more than 100 000 lives in our country and caused the greatest contraction of our economy in decades.

“The public unrest in July 2021 and the catastrophic floods in parts of the country the following year led to further loss of life and destruction of property and infrastructure.

“While these events severely hampered our collective efforts to rebuild the country, they also showed the resilience of the South African people. Despite these great difficulties, we have persevered with the task of reform and recovery, to grow an inclusive economy and create jobs,” he said.

The President said government remains committed to resolving the challenges that the country faces.

“We have continued to work together to overcome the crises of unemployment, poverty, inequality and underdevelopment. These challenges impact on the lives of millions of people and undermine the dignity that we have worked throughout our democracy to restore.

“And yet we maintain our resolve to move forward with optimism. We have come a long, long way. And we are determined to go further to achieve the free, just and equal South Africa for which millions voted on Freedom Day 30 years ago,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

NeoB
Mon, 04/29/2024 - 09:17

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SA heads to the polls in a month’s time

Location: News

SA heads to the polls in a month's time

With one month to go, the Electoral Commission (IEC) is in the final stretch of preparations for the seventh democratic elections, which are believed to be the most contested in the history of the country.

South Africans will go to the polls on 29 May 2024 to the elect the leadership for 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.

“The finalisation of the list of candidates contesting seats in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections (NPE2024) means that the Commission can now go ahead with the printing of ballot papers for the elections. The 27.79 million registered voters will receive three ballot papers to elect candidates to represent them in the National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures.

“In consort with the provisions of the election timetable, the Electoral Commission has also published the list of addresses of the 23 292 voting stations that will be used in these elections. The route for mobile voting stations has also been published,” the IEC said recently.

The highest number of voting stations will be in Kwazulu-Natal (4 974), then the Eastern Cape (4 868) and Limpopo (3 216). All voting stations are now contracted with lease agreements concluded with landlords or owners.

A list of the voting stations can be found on the Electoral Commission’s website.

Special votes

For those who would like to apply for special votes, for the purposes of home visits and voting station visits, there is still time to do so as the deadline for applications is on 3 May 2024.

“Home visits are intended for those voters who are unable to travel to voting stations whilst special votes at voting stations are for everyone who is unable to be at the voting station on Election Day. Special voting will be conducted on the two days preceding Election Day, on 27 and 28 May 2024,” the IEC said.

Special votes may be accessed using one of the following modalities:

  • Using the secured online application form found at www.elections.org.za.
  • By SMSing your identity number to 32249 (R1.00 per SMS) for voting station visit only.
  • By visiting your local IEC office and submitting an Appendix 1B form for a voting station special vote.
  • By visiting your local IEC office and submitting an Appendix 1A form for a home visit special vote. Forms can also be hand-delivered, but someone else can deliver a form on behalf of a voter.

Special votes will also be administered at South Africa’s diplomatic missions abroad to service 58 000 registered voters. These voters will be provided for at the diplomatic missions of the Republic.

Security plan

Government has, meanwhile, assured citizens that the elections will be conducted in a safe and secure environment.

“As the government, we want to issue a stern warning to anyone with intentions to disrupt the elections that law enforcement officers will deal with them decisively and will put them behind bars. We want to assure the public of the readiness of the JCPS [Justice, Crime Prevention and Security] Cluster to execute its mandate of protecting the public, our country’s strategic installations and infrastructure during the election period. We will do everything in our power to protect all those who want to exercise their Constitutional right to vote,” Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thandi Modise said.

Government also urged members of the public to report any crime related to elections to their nearest police station or IEC offices.

“A protocol has been established between the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, South African Police Service (SAPS) Detectives and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to prioritise all election-related crimes.

“Prosecutors stand ready to prosecute offences such as electoral fraud and corruption, removing or defacing political party and campaign posters, interfering with the duties of the electoral officials as well as forcing anyone to vote,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Mon, 04/29/2024 - 11:36

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Security plan in place for upcoming elections

Location: News

Security plan in place for upcoming elections

With just 30 days left until South Africans head to the polls, government has assured citizens that the seventh National and Provincial Elections will be conducted in a safe and secure environment.

“As the government, we want to issue a stern warning to anyone with intentions to disrupt the elections that the law enforcement officers will deal with them decisively and will put them behind bars,” Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thandi Modise said on Sunday in Pretoria.

Addressing a media briefing by the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security (JCPS) Cluster, the Minister emphasised that no one has a right to intimidate and prevent others from exercising their Constitutional right to vote for a party of his or her choice.

“We want to assure the public of the readiness of the JCPS Cluster to execute its mandate of protecting the public, our country’s strategic installations and infrastructure during the election period. We will do everything in our power to protect all those who want to exercise their Constitutional right to vote,” the Minister said.

The 2024 General Elections are believed to be the most contested in the history of this country. Overall, 70 political parties are contesting the elections, 11 independent candidates, and the national contestants are 52.

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

“Our approach as the JCPS Cluster is to ensure coordinated and intelligence-led planning and operations pre-, during, and postelections where multi-departmental teams work together to ensure that all South Africans exercise their Constitutional rights without fear of intimidation or violence.

“This coordination is managed by National and Provincial JOINTS [ Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure] structures of the JCPS Cluster and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). Inter-departmental Priority Committees were established in 2023 at both the National and Provincial levels to safety and security planning.

“Our law enforcement agencies have led in developing the national security plan which has been approved by the Ministers of the JCPS Cluster. NATJOINTS [National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure] has done a thorough threat and crime pattern analysis to inform the development of a security plan and they want to ensure that nothing is left to chance,” the Minister said.

Fit-for purpose

Based on the threat and crime pattern analysis, NATJOINTS has recommended a fit-for-purpose deployment plan that will deal with any potential threats of crime and violence in and around voting stations and national and provincial results centres.

“We have also put measures in place to protect all public facilities that will be used for voting, national key points and other essential infrastructure that might be targeted by criminal elements. In addition, the Criminal Matters Amendment Act of 2015 states that any person who tampers with or damages essential infrastructure is guilty of a criminal offence and he/she can be sentenced to a maximum of 30 years if found guilty

“The South African Police Service (SAPS) Ministry and SAPS management have conducted several oversite roadshows in all provinces where they met with the station commanders of all police stations and district commissioners to assess the SAPS state of readiness and preparedness to ensure safety and security.

“The management of SAPS and Ministry are satisfied with the level of readiness of all the provinces and districts to provide policing services pre-, during and post-the elections,” Modise said.

The elections will be policed within the relevant prescripts and laws and police officers will enforce the law accordingly.

“We want to reiterate that the security plan will be constantly reviewed as the situation changes and we will adapt as required. As the JCPS Cluster leadership, we want to send a clear message to the public that no incitement to violence, lawlessness, destruction of infrastructure, or barricading of roads will be tolerated. Anyone who participates in any form of criminal activity will be dealt with.

“We therefore reiterate to all South Africans that political rights for citizens are guaranteed and should not be violated. The JCPS will ensure that all the rights enshrined in the Constitution are not violated,” she said.

Among these rights are the rights to freedom, security, and protection from all forms of violence from either public or private sources.

“Although the Constitution allows all citizens to participate in protests, pickets and present petitions, those who participate in these activities must do so peacefully and not violate the rights of those who do not want to participate. Anyone who is found to have contravened these critical provisions of the Constitution during this period will be met with the full authority of the state,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Sun, 04/28/2024 - 11:18

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Public urged to report crimes related to elections

Location: News

Public urged to report crimes related to elections

Government has urged members of the public to report any crime related to elections to their nearest police station or Electoral Commission (IEC) offices.

“A protocol has been established between the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, South African Police Service (SAPS) Detectives and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to prioritise all election-related crimes,” Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thandi Modise said on Sunday in Pretoria.

Addressing a media briefing by the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security (JCPS) Cluster, the Minister said prosecutors stand ready to prosecute offences such as electoral fraud and corruption, removing or defacing political party and campaign posters, interfering with the duties of the electoral officials as well as forcing anyone to vote.

“Individuals who use social media and electronic platforms to send threatening messages, incite violence, or cause harm to others will be charged. When an individual creates a video or share a post to the public and where the post contains words, speech or conduct that may encourage others to commit public violence, the aforementioned post will make one guilty of the offence of inciting public violence and police will not hesitate to track the person down and hold you accountable,” Modise said.

The Minister appealed to political and community leaders to exercise caution when speaking on public platforms.

“Do not make inflammatory or threatening statements as you will be breaking the law and may also encourage others to carry out criminal activities.

“We urge the public to exercise caution before sharing the information with others. Ensure that you double-check the accuracy of the information and be aware of the unintended consequences of your actions. Members of the public should report any inflammatory statements to law enforcement agencies,” the Minister said at the briefing held in Pretoria.

She warned the public against sharing false, unverified information, rumours, or threats online or in person as that can have serious consequences.

It can incite violence, confuse voters, and undermine the democratic process.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) has activated provincial disaster management teams to identify risks and put mitigation measures in place for any disasters that may occur pre, during and post the elections.

“The NDMC is working closely with the South African Weather Service to monitor the situation, early warning messages will be issued when necessary. On the day of the elections, these teams will be deployed for 24 hours to monitor the situation,” the Minister said.

Collection of Identity Documents

To assist voters with the process of application for new Identity Documents and Temporary Identity Certificates and the collection of these documents, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has opened its offices from 8 am to 1 pm on Saturdays from 06 April to 25 May 2024.

“In addition, Home Affairs will open its offices on voting day. Mobile offices are also scheduled to be opened in remote areas to assist with the application and collection processes. The department will engage with councillors and other community leaders to decide on the dates, times and venues of the operation of mobile offices.

“Citizens can also use the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS), which is available on the DHA website to book appointments to collect their Smart ID Cards and Green barcoded ID books. We encourage clients who have applied for identification documents and have received their SMS notifications, to seize this opportunity by visiting their Home Affairs office to collect these critical documents.”

Modise encourage all eligible voters to go out in their numbers to the different voting stations on 29 May 2024 to cast their votes.

The 2024 General Elections are believed to be the most contested in the history of this country.

“Overall, 70 political parties are contesting these elections, 11 independent candidates, and the national contestants are 52. In total, there are over 14, 903 candidates vying for 887 seats in the National and Provincial Legislatures. Ensuring the safety and security of all voters and officials are of paramount importance,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Sun, 04/28/2024 - 11:49

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Call to vote in upcoming elections

Location: News

Call to vote in upcoming elections

With the upcoming 2024 National and Provincial elections around the corner, a member of a Danish choir has encouraged citizens to participate in the polls.

South Africans will once again get an opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote on 29 May 2024 as the country holds its seventh democratic elections.

“If you do not vote, your voice will not be heard. Voting is a way to have your voice heard in a democracy. It is importance to participate in a democracy by voting. It is key,” Papaya choir member Lilian Andresen said on Saturday.

The choir specialises in singing South African songs in Denmark.

Speaking to SAnews during the National Freedom Day celebrations at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Andresen congratulated South Africa for reaching the historic milestone of 30 years of freedom and democracy.

“Coming to the country as it celebrates 30 years of freedom… is very special. In Denmark we have had democracy for a while and you can tend to take it for granted. Therefore, to come here and see how much it is appreciated is remarkable,” she said.

Hundreds of people gathered at the Union Buildings in Pretoria to celebrate the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s democratic dispensation following the country’s first democratic elections on 27 April 1994.

President Cyril Ramaphosa led the Freedom Day celebrations at the national event under the theme “30 Years of Democracy, Partnership, and Growth.”

While acknowledging the challenges faced by many in the country, Andresen said transformation is a journey.

“You still need to fight for your rights. It is a process. You need to keep going and never lose track of where you want to go,” she said.

With energy, enthusiasm and musical intensity, Papaya sings everything from wedding songs and Zulu war songs to the story of a South Africa that through generations of time has found courage, strength and community through music.

“We have been a choir since 1986. We come here… meet with other choirs, performing groups and dance groups. We share the culture and the music. That is how we learn.  

“We then go back to Denmark to share the music and the stories with our Danish audience. The audience is very much moved and touched by it. We love the people, music, culture, the stories and history. It is so rich as the country has had struggles. It is very unique,” she said. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Sat, 04/27/2024 - 15:55

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Minister Lamola reflects of 30 years of freedom

Location: News

Minister Lamola reflects of 30 years of freedom

A then 10-year-old Ronald Lamola watched with joy as his parents went to cast their votes in South Africa’s first democratic elections in April 1994.

“I also saw on the television long queues of people ushering in our new freedom when they were voting,” Lamola said on Saturday.

Fast-forward to today and Lamola is South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Correctional Services.

The Minister’s comments come as hundreds of people gathered at the Union Buildings in Pretoria to celebrate the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s democratic dispensation following the country’s first democratic elections on 27 April 1994.

President Cyril Ramaphosa led the National Freedom Day celebrations at the Union Buildings under the theme “30 Years of Democracy, Partnership, and Growth.”

Reflecting on growing up in apartheid South Africa which oppressed the majority of its population at the time, the Minister said as a young boy who grew up on a farm in Komatipoort in the then Eastern Transvaal which today is known as Mpumalanga province, he could not attend the same schools as the white children on the farm.

“We could not play or … have the same dreams of being engineers, astronauts or being lawyers. Today, I stand before you as an LLB (Bachelor of Laws) graduate of the University of Venda who was funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Our country’s biggest breakout of generational poverty.

"I speak with conviction when I say I am a Tintswalo. Every household in this country has a Tintswalo. Freedom made the dreams of many black kids like myself possible to be whoever we wanted to be. [Whether it be] engineers, astronauts, etc which was not possible under apartheid,” the Minister said.

First referred to by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in February, Tintswalo is a child born at the dawn of freedom in 1994. Tintswalo grew up in a society that was worlds apart from the South Africa of her parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.

As a child who went to university in a democratic South Africa, the Minister completed his studies with the assistance of the NSFAS which provides financial aid to South African students using funds provided mainly by the government.

“Freedom made it possible for many black kids like me to be whoever we wanted to be… The sky is the limit. Freedom came through the blood and sweat of our struggle heroes. On this day 30 years ago, a new dawn was ushered in through the first democratic elections. Some of the freedoms that we take for granted today were reserved for only white people before 1994," the Minister explained.

Nation building

He said nation building was at the core of the vision and a central piece to the democratisation of South Africa.

"This was reaffirmed by our 1996 Constitution, which is the supreme law of our country that affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality, and freedom.

“It placed on the state the obligation to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the human rights that are enshrined within our Bill of Rights. We moved from parliamentary sovereignty to a constitutional democracy.

“We now have the freedom to love whoever we want to love. We now have the freedom to go wherever we want to go. We now have the freedom to study whatever we want to study and we now have the freedom of trade.”

He said these freedoms came at a “sacrifice”.

“As a country, we have a responsibility to continue to fight against injustice anywhere in the world.”

While the country had previously been under 300 years of colonial rule, government has laid a solid foundation to build a better life for all.

With South Africa due to hold its seventh democratic elections on 29 May 2024, Lamola has encouraged citizens to exercise their democratic right to vote.

“In our country, our appreciation for freedom has seen growth in our electoral participation and uncensored voices…space for civil society has been maintained and should be commended as progress.”

“[However,] we must ensure [to exercise our right to freedom of speech] with responsibility. We should ensure that the polls that are coming now are credible, non-partisan and aimed at enhancing our democracy.

“Democratic participation should therefore be embraced and enforced by all citizens, we must all go and vote on 29 May to build on our transformatory journey and to build on our freedom.”

This year's Freedom Month celebrations hold special significance as they also coincide with the 28th anniversary of the enactment of the South African Constitution as the supreme law of the land.

"With this freedom, the 1996 constitution envisaged a country that is sovereign, a democratic state that is guided by principles of constitutionalism, the rule of law, democracy and accountability, separation of powers and checks and balances [as well as] cooperative governance," the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Sat, 04/27/2024 - 14:49

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Read moreMinister Lamola reflects of 30 years of freedom