With voting registration taking place on 8 and 9 February, the Independent Electoral Commission is still expecting to grow the voter roll with up to 2 million new voter registrations.
The lost registration weekend in November was able to gain footing with over 1 million new registrations across South Africa.
The Midrand and Sandton constituencies received a high number of feet visiting polling stations in the respective areas.
Ward 112 under the watchful eye of councillor Leverne Young, topped the list with over 4 000 residents registering at the ward’s seven polling stations. Combined the Sandton constituency had over 8 000 new registrations marked down.
Gauteng is still dragging it’s knuckles however, with only over 60 percent of its population registered to vote, opposed to the Free State where almost 90 percent of its eligible voters are on the voters roll.
Democratic Alliance’s Member of Parliament for Sandton and Alexandra as well as the Melville constituency, Ian Ollis previously said, “Everything in life has a first time. Why wait until something bad happens before you decide to take an interest in how your country is run. If you register and vote you are showing that your views should be taken seriously as a citizen.”
“Voting is the way you get to have a say in how the country is run and who you want to represent you in parliament and the provincial government. If you don’t vote, someone else will decide for you.”
With the power of the individual in mind, the African National Congress has been focused on winning Gauteng during the next election, and have repeatedly urged supporters not on the voting roll to get to polling stations.
Last weekend, Economic Freedom Fighters’ commander in chief, Julius Malema visited Diepsloot and Alexandra. He also made strong appeal for eligible voters to register.
Fourways has a plethora of registration stations.
Some include:
- Sunninghill Spar
- Umshlanga Drive in Paulshof
- Bryanston Parallel medium
- Bryandale Primary School
- Norscot Manor Recreation Centre
- Fourways High School
- The South African Guide Dogs Association
- Crawford College
- Witkoppen Combined School
- Crawford Preparatory School
- Dainfern College
- Beaulieu Pre-preparatory School
- Diepsloot Combined School
Some of the stations might have an influx of voters lined up to register. As well as a green barcoded identification booklet, residents over the age of 18 are also advised to take refreshments with them at the weekend’s registration.
