Inmates at Zonderwater register to vote
The Correctional Services believe that giving inmates the opportunity to register to vote is crucial towards their rehabilitation and community reintegration.
The minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, joined the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on January 31 at the Kgosi Mampuru II Management Area in Pretoria, where they conducted voter registration for the inmates.
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) welcomed the IEC at its correctional facilities in Zonderwater for inmate voter registration, which began on January 30 and ended on February 1.
Mashudu Mutamba, the communications person for the correctional services, said, “The IEC has worked closely with DCS since 1999 to provide voter registration and voting opportunities for inmates in line with the constitutional right extended to inmates to vote.”
Deputy Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Nkosi Phathekile Holomisa, was also there to oversee the voter registration for inmates in the Johannesburg Management Area. Eligible inmates in correctional facilities freely participated in the registration process.
“The DCS called on inmates’ families to bring their identity documents to their incarceration centres for voter registration purposes.
“Recognising the importance of democratic participation and the right to vote, Correctional Services believes that giving inmates the opportunity to register to vote is a crucial step towards rehabilitation and community reintegration.
“Voting is a fundamental right that should not be denied to any eligible citizen, including those serving time in correctional facilities. The IEC officials facilitated the voter registration without any hindrance from the correctional officials or contractors,” said Mutamba.
A first step for inmates to take an active role in shaping their communities and exercising their rights as citizens is registering to vote.
Achieving a smooth and secure registration process aligns with the DCS’ commitment to fairness and inclusivity.
Media members were invited to join Holomisa and Lamola as they oversaw the voter registration.
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