"The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in the Western Cape thanks all the registration station staff for their contribution to the people of this province during the past weekend. The commitment and dedication displayed is an exceptional commentary of the resolve of many South Africans to make our country work.
"The IEC will continue to provide opportunities for South African citizens who qualify to have their names included on the national common voters roll to do so until the date of the proclamation of the election is announced by the President. Voter registration is an ongoing process and individuals can get their names on the voters roll by visiting any IEC office during working hours."
Anneline Hlangani, from Pelindaba, Thembalethu, registered for the first time on Sunday morning. She was overjoyed and excited that she will now be able to vote. "I am a 'born free' that is fulfilling my responsibility as a South African citizen. Now I will have the right to complain because I am registered to vote, I am part of the system."
Julius Malema's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) nearly didn't participate in last weekend's IEC national registration campaign as their letter of accreditation to the Party Liaison Committee was only received on Friday afternoon.
Lassy Matyholweni, Southern Cape EFF coordinator, confirmed that there were hiccups with the IEC. "We are very happy with the turnout as many young people have come to register and have spoken to us. Our supporters want radical change. The biggest challenge is money as our only source of income is the sale of our red berets, which is proving to be very popular."
The ANC's Regional Elections Manager, Piet van der Hoven, said the ANC is "feeling good about the weekend. This was a good trial run knowing that next year there is another registration weekend." The ANC will endeavour to register all the unregistered voters before the President announces the election date. Van der Hoven estimates that there is at least an additional 10 000 new voters in the Southern Cape. This is over and above those that had to re-register due mainly to boundary changes.
Jaco Londt, the manager of the DA in the Eastern Region, said they were also very happy with the registration weekend. "Our structures were visible at all the voting districts in the province and DA supporters certainly came out to register. The hours of work that the DA invested in home visits has definitely paid off. We are waiting for the official figures from the IEC. Once we have analysed them we will have a much better idea of what exactly is going on."
The new kid on the block - Juluis Malema's EFF - all decked out with berets and new T-shirts.
ARTICLE: MYRON RABINOWITZ
'We bring you the latest George | Garden Route news'
