Voter registration in Swellendam is facing significant challenges, with service delivery issues, council policy on poverty relief, and youth unemployment identified as key factors.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) reported a particularly low turnout of residents registering to vote this weekend, notably among young residents.
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As per EWN, Julian Matthysen, a local ward councillor in Railton township, noted a growing disinterest in politics, exacerbated by dissatisfaction with the Democratic Alliance (DA)-led Swellendam Municipality.
One contentious issue is a policy requiring residents to reapply for subsidised services, including electricity and pensioner rebates.
Earlier in the year, the Matyoks informal settlement’s residents protested for indigent benefits and services. The unrest escalated, resulting in damage to the Thusong Community Centre and a fire department vehicle.
Matthysen expressed alarm over the low registration rates, especially among youth, stating, ‘Young people are not really eager to come and register because of different reasons. A lot of people feel that they don’t want to take part, and they don’t want to be part of politics anymore.’
In response, Matthysen has been actively going door-to-door, encouraging residents to register and engage in the political process. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address the underlying issues fueling voter apathy and to revitalise political participation in Swellendam.
If you haven’t been able to make it to a registration station, you can register online at registertovote.elections.org.za.
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