The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature has officially launched a province-wide civic voter education campaign aimed at preparing communities for the 2026 local government elections.

The programme, aimed at increasing public participation in the polls, particularly among young and first-time voters, will run in all districts until the official proclamation of the election date.

The Legislature has deliberately taken an early start, acknowledging that low voter turnout in previous elections was largely due to limited access to information, particularly among young people..

The campaign, described as “crucial” by Speaker of the Legislature Nontembeko Boyce, will kick off on Friday, 22 August 2025, at Hlanganani Hall in Esikhaleni Township and Vulindlela Hall in the KwaDlangezwa area within the King Cetshwayo District. Services at both venues will start at 09:00.

In partnership with the Department of Home Affairs and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), the Legislature will assist citizens with applying for identity documents (IDs), voter registration, and educating the public on the importance of participating in elections to choose their representatives.

However, it has been confirmed that smart IDs will not be processed on the day, and that green barcoded IDs remain valid for voting.

Applicants are also reminded to bring their bank cards, as the Department of Home Affairs will not accept cash payments.

Boyce emphasised that the Legislature’s role is to educate the public on how and why to vote — not who to vote for.

Boyce, who is leading the campaign along with Members of the Legislature (MPLs), described the initiative as crucial, citing the success of previous programmes. 

“Our institution has a duty to conduct public education as part of its mandate to enhance public involvement in democratic processes,” she said.

“Through our voter education programmes, we have managed to encourage many, especially first-time voters, to participate in previous elections.”

She also highlighted the urgent need to mobilise young voters, citing concerning statistics from the IEC.

“Recent IEC statistics show that South Africa’s youth population increased from 14.7 million to 21.6 million — a rise of 6.9 million people. However, only 7.9 million young people are currently registered to vote. This is deeply concerning,” Boyce said. 

“We will therefore target tertiary institutions to ensure that young people are election-ready. Their voices must be heard in shaping decisions that directly affect their lives, especially at local level.”

She added that the programme will focus strongly on mobilising young people, who remain the most reluctant to register and vote.

”We are confident that this campaign will also be a resounding success.” she said. 

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za 

Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.

IOL Politics

Source link