We are 30 years into democracy, and the ANC has reigned supreme in every poll since the 1994 elections. It seems, however, that the party gets worse by the day. From corruption, loadshedding, increasing poverty and high unemployment rates, South Africans seem to have had enough of the ruling party. Despite this, there seems to be little to no effort to register to vote or take initiative in learning about which parties will be participating in the elections and what these parties stand for, especially from the youth. To commemorate the upcoming Human Rights Day and to honour the gift that is the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, practise your right to vote in these upcoming elections, and be a custodian of the change in your country..
After much speculation and gossip, President Cyril Ramaphosa has finally announced 29 May as the official date for South Africa’s national and provincial elections. By now you should have registered to vote, as voter registration for the upcoming elections closed on 23 February.
You have registered to vote – now what?
The different political parties taking part in the upcoming elections have released their manifestos, which can be found on each party’s website. All the manifestos can also be found here: https://elections24.co.za/manifestos . The next few weeks should serve as an opportunity to learn and understand exactly where these parties stand on key issues such as education, employment, and any other issue that is close to your heart. This will help you decide whom you will be casting your vote for.
According to Stats SA, there are two important new developments in the 2024 elections to note: “For the first time, South Africans abroad will register as voters using an online self-registration portal. In addition, people who are not associated with political parties may stand as independent candidates to contest national and provincial elections.” Stats SA also indicates that voters will now get three ballot papers: the first is to vote for a political party or independent candidate to represent them in the National Assembly, the second, to vote for political parties or independent candidates contesting in the region for elections to the National Assembly, and third, to vote for political parties or independent candidates contesting elections of the provincial legislature. These changes mark a pivotal development in the country’s politics and democracy by expanding political participation, enhancing voter choice, and placing local issues in the spotlight.
There is much anxiety surrounding the elections and the possibility of a new ruling party, to such an extent that there has been the propagation of misinformation and disinformation online, as well as voter disillusionment. The only way to be well informed and to make an informed decision regarding who to vote for is by taking the initiative to learn for yourself and take a stand. There are a few key reasons why you should vote. Firstly, simply because you can. This is one of the many privileges that people in this country did not have a few decades ago and should not be taken for granted. Secondly, voting empowers you and gives you a voice. In this way, you have a say and some influence over the governance and policies that shape our everyday lives. Lastly, democracy needs you, and democracy only works if people participate and take initiative.
