Young women encouraged to vote

The panellists of the discussion

Nontobeko Zondi

The Gauteng Legislature, in collaboration with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Vaal University of Technology (VUT) and the Mail & Guardian held a critical thinking seminar on Friday, 24 August at VUT’s Vanderbijlpark campus.

Honourable Ntombi Mekgwe, speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, who graced the event with her presence, shared the purposes and objectives of the critical thinking seminar and encouraged young women to cast their votes and make their voices heard.

The seminar aimed to solicit the youth’s views on how they perceive the future of South Africa and to estimate their participation in crucial democratic processes, such as voting.

Current statistics suggest that Gauteng’s youth between 18 and 29 make up the largest population bracket in the province – yet they are the least active in critical democratic processes, such as elections. The seminar aimed to raise awareness for this target group.

It further aimed to probe youth thoughts on the value of voting in a climate where young people seemingly prefer ‘alternative’ methods to vent their frustrations to government, such as service delivery protests and damaging state property among other things.

Ultimately, the seminar wanted to spur young people into active citizenry by urging them to register to vote in the upcoming general elections in 2019.

The IEC representative gave a presentation on the responsibilities and duties of the department.

The seminar took place in the form of a panel discussion comprised of young female students from VUT and influential personalities; Khaya Sithole (Economic Analyst), who was the moderator, Bujy Bikwa (radio personality) and Jessica Tims (TV Presenter) delving into some relevant issues around voting.