Ward 112: Highest voter registration turnout in Midrand

Ward 112 in Midrand has emerged as the area which had the highest turnout of voter registration in the Midrand constituency.

This was according to the constituency chairperson, Rabelani Dagada.

“The Independent Electoral Commission voter registration weekend, which took place on 9 and 10 November, saw over two million people register and re-register at over 20 000 voting stations throughout the country. Our constituency covers all the wards between Ivory Park and Glen Austin, Midrand, Kyalami, Diepsloot, Sunninghill, Fourways, Douglasdale through to Lanseria Airport and Kya Sands. Ward 112, with councillor Leverne Young, topped the list with over 4 000 residents registering at the ward’s seven voting stations,” said Dagada.

The second highest registration area in the constituency was Ward 96, which covers the Broadacres, Craigavon and Chartwell areas, while Ward 115, covering the Douglasdale, Fourways, Olivedale and Jukskei Park area, came third.

“Even people who last voted in 1994 came out to register,” said Young. “They want change.”

Next door, at the Sandton and Alexandra constituency more than 12 000 voter registrations was jotted down. This constituency covers northern Johannesburg from Parktown to Bryanston.

According to Ian Ollis, Member of Parliament for the constituency, the registrations was nearly double that of what they expected.

Both constituencies are in line with an abundance of prospective voters that registered across the province. But, Gauteng is still behind in the percentage of potential voters that can vote, but aren’t registered. Only an estimated 69 percent of over 18’s are registered, many under the age of 30 according to the IEC.

In the Free State, 80 percent of eligible voters are registered.

Though not too damning, as Gauteng is still the deciding factor when it comes to legislature. It is usually this province and political parties that have stronghold here that get more representation on the national platform, as under 8 million voters in 2014 will be from Gauteng.

On 14 November Phumla Williams from Government Communications and Information System congratulated the 1 088 015 people who registered for the first time to vote in 2014.

“Registering to vote is the first step to ensure that your voice and opinion is counted. Every South African has a right and responsibility as citizens to play an active role in electing their representatives. Through free and fair elections, South Africa has for the past 19 years enjoyed the fruits of democracy.”

Those who have not yet registered to vote, can still make an appointment to register during office hours at the Municipal Electoral Office responsible for the voting district in which they live.

Details: Independent Electoral Commission on 0800 11 8000