The IEC in the Western Cape says it’s encouraged by new voter registrations, particularly young people, which is also reflected in the national numbers.

Following the final registration weekend on 3 and 4 February, the voters roll in the Western Cape has grown to 3 269 644 people.

This represents 63,8% of the voting age population in the Western Cape.

Since March 2023 the voters roll in the province has grown by over 180 000 voters.

IEC Western Cape Chief Electoral officer Michael Hendrikse says over 160 000 South African citizens in the province participated in voter registration this past weekend:

• 39 694 of which were new registrations;
• 48 135 re-registered, and
• 72 721 registered in different voting districts after having moved locations.

Significantly, the youth grasped at the opportunity to register for the first time for NPE2024:

• 20 – 29-year olds topped the group with 17 331;
• 18 – 19-year-olds at 3 743, and
• 16 -17 year-olds at 5 699

Of the 8 270 prisoners identified through the IEC’s Civic and Democracy Education Programme, 1 684 were registered by IEC officials who visited the 30 prisons in the province from 30 January to 1 February 2024.

Nationally, there are now over 28 million people on the voters roll, after 1,2 million new registrations this past weekend countrywide.

Hendrickse has conveyed his gratitude to the public who took time out to turn up at voting stations.

“I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the IEC team and the more than 4 000 staff at 1572 voting stations, who assisted citizens and ensured that the process ran smoothly.”

The IEC has reminded citizens that the online voter portal at www.elections.org.za remains open 24/7 for first-time voter registration as well as updating registration details, especially address changes, until the election date has been proclaimed in the Government Gazette.

Until that date, the IEC is also continuing with its youth campaign by visiting campuses of
Universities and TVET institutions.

Hendrikse has urged those who have not yet registered, to do so speedily.

“The continued increase on the Voters’ Roll is heartening as it shows that South African citizens remain committed in their belief of the country’s democratic electoral processes.”

 

There is some speculation that President Cyril Ramaphosa will announce the date of the election during his State of the Nation address on Thursday evening.