The Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria on Saturday saw large amounts of young people, who collected their identity documents, to register for the forthcoming general election.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has its final voter registration drive this weekend.
Home Affairs has extended working hours for Saturday and Sunday.
More than 20 000 identity documents haven’t been collected from various Home Affairs offices throughout the country.
Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Siyabonga Cwele has urged those who haven’t yet collected their IDs, to do so this weekend.
The Home Affairs offices in Pretoria are open for those who have not yet collected their IDs and are anticipating to register to vote in the 2019’s elections. This weekend is the last chance for those who haven’t registered to book their place on the voters roll.
Ruth Mkojo collected her ID on Saturday and is satisfied with the service she received at Home Affairs.
“The service was excellent and they were so professional with us, and we didn’t even spend more than 20 minutes here. From here, I am going to my voting station, as we know that for me to vote is very important. It is one of the privileges which we have since 1994 and I want to use this opportunity so that I know that my vote is my voice,” says Mkojo.
Political parties have mainly targeted the youth and are encouraging them to register to vote. Some of them responded to the call by collecting their ID’s in large numbers.
“I am here because I heard my father telling me last night that the voting stations are open. So, I need to go and fetch my ID as soon as possible so that I can vote. I am going to register tomorrow. I am very excited because I am finally 18. I am happy because now I can be able to vote and make change,” says resident Lunga Thabethe.
Ndileka Bongane is looking forward to casting his vote for the first time.
“I am a first time voter. I am excited … finally stepping up as an adult. I am hoping all the parties deliver in whatever they have promised in their manifestos,” says Bongane.
The Home Affairs offices will open again on Sunday to allow more collection of IDs.
