The ‘great debate’ goes online

Wendy Kahn, national director of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, believes local government elections are important as this level of governance deals with items specific to residents’ areas – down to street names, potholes, and local parks, amongst other issues.

This is why she is excited about the board’s upcoming Great Debate (October 6 at 19:00), at which representatives from different parties will take the ‘hot seat’ to answer pertinent questions directed at them by the community. Discussions raised will target local governance issues.

The event will be hosted by media personality Mandy Wiener and streamed via Zoom, and guests will be able to ask questions to government officials from various parties.

Kahn said the board has hosted the event for a few years now, to encourage debate and discussion. “It is important we talk with one another and have these discussions,” she said, urging residents to attend the virtual debate.

She said the board also started its #MakeUsCount campaign, aimed at motivating residents to be excited about the opportunity to vote, and to do away with voter apathy. Part of this was a registration drive to encourage registration, also at schools. The board also invited local residents to become election observers to assist at stations. She said volunteers were fully trained by the board to step in as election observers.

Another event to be held by the board is a webinar on October 12, which will be hosted by radio personality, Stephen Grootes, speaking on navigating the elections in 2021 and interviewing three political analysts.

Details: To volunteer or for more information on the #MakeUsCount campaign, email makeuscount@gmail.com
For upcoming South African Jewish Board of Deputies events and Zoom links, visit www.sajbd.org; www.facebook.com/SAJBD; @sajbd (Twitter).