Final push for voter registration

Voting stations on the North Coast were buzzing this weekend, with many residents part of the last group of South African citizens to register to vote.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) went all out for the final registration weekend, keeping voting stations open until all those in line had a chance to get their names onto the voters’ roll.
The voters’ roll is now closed with the elections scheduled to take place on May 7.
The ward six voting stations, Ballito Library and Scout’s Hall in Townsend Park, were among the busiest.
By 10am the ward had already reached its target of 150 new registrations and councillor Colin Marsh was over the moon.
“This, to me, says one thing: we still have a generation that is not afraid to use their voices. I have seen young and old residents come and put their names down and it gives me hope. We already had a 92% registration and it looks like we may get our full quota. Well done, Ballito!”
The Salt Rock Library also had a steady stream of new and existing voters.
Mpumalanga-natives Richard and Anel Schulze popped by to change their details, having moved to the North Coast earlier this year.
“It is everyone’s duty to vote if we want a South Africa we can be proud of. If you do not vote, you do not really have a say afterwards,” said Anel.

In Stanger Manor, at the ward 17 voting station residents chatted about South Africa and how proud they were to live in the country, while queuing.
“We need to get up and make the change, it starts with us,” said Priya Nundlal.