IEC launches democracy programme at Kuils River school

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) launched the Schools Democracy Programme that aims to encourage voting among young people last Wednesday.

The programme was launched at Sarepta Secondary School in partnership with the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) and it is one of the commission’s initiatives intended to encourage the youth to participate in local, provincial and national government elections by registering and voting.

The IEC provincial officer, Michael Hendrickse, thanked principal Yolanda Basson for making the programme a success and said he hoped that the education component of the initiative will ensure that more students will participate in elections.

WCED spokesperson Millicent Merton said: “We welcome the programme by the IEC as voting is an essential part of any modern democracy.

“The programme is aimed at making young people aware of their right to vote. Young people who are 16 years and older can register to vote. They are eligible to vote at the age of 18.

“The objective of the campaign, especially in the run-up to the 2024 general elections, is to promote and conduct online voter registration using voter management devices at targeted schools and tertiary education campuses.”

Ms Basson said the school was privileged to be part of the event.

Jayden February, a member of the school’s Representative Council of Learners, encouraged his fellow pupils to register to vote and said voting gives them an opportunity to be part of decision-making processes.

For more information, log on to the IEC website at https://www.elections.org.za You can also send a WhatsApp text message to 060 088 0000 or call the Western Cape provincial IEC office at 021 910 5700.