Young people lament delays at home affairs, say voting unlikely

Some young people in Gauteng say they might not be able to have their say at the polls this year due to delays at the Home Affairs Department.

They say they haven’t been able to register to vote as a result of the hold-up.

Mfundo Nhlanhla (30) says he lost his ID book over a month ago.

The frustrated Mpumalanga local says due to slow action from the department – he won’t be able to have his say at the polls this year .

Speaking at the back of an Action SA picket on Tuesday afternoon, the 30-year-old said work opportunities are few and far between without his papers, while long and fruitless visits to Home Affairs continue to eat at his pockets.

He’s blamed failures at the department for his predicament.

His comments come as the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) finalises its plans for the final physical 2024 voter registration, scheduled for the weekend.

The IEC says the use of temporary identity documents will be allowed during registration.

South Africans will also still be able to register beyond the scheduled times on the IEC’s online registration portal.

We took to the streets of JHB to see if young people are registered to vote in upcoming National and Provincial Elections and this is what they had to say. #SAelections24 #SouthAfrica #Mzansi #IEC pic.twitter.com/FknEssT55Z

— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) January 29, 2024

Are you a registered voter? Ensure your details are up-to-date! SMS your ID number to 32810 (SMS/R1) to verify your registration status. Alternatively, visit your station on 3-4 February from 8am-5pm to ensure you’re prepared for #SAelections24. pic.twitter.com/M7GEKMUnqP

— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) January 30, 2024

Watch part 1 on our Youtube channel: https://t.co/nlmuTSbQNC

Let’s #TakeItToTheBooth Yires✊🏾

— Y (@Yfm) January 25, 2024

The electoral body says it’s, so far, managed to add over 26 million people to this year’s voters roll. Over 80% of new registered voters were under 30 – with young people seemingly eager to make their voices heard at the upcoming elections. Article written by Naomi Kobbie