Young voters prepared for the elections

WITH more than 240 000 registered young voters in King Cetshwayo District, the IEC is now faced with the mammoth task of drawing these youngsters to the polls.

This comes as the national and provincial election day draws near.

According to the IEC in the district, uMhlathuze accounts for the highest young voter registration, with 102 160 with females leading at 31 523.

The city is followed by uMlalazi at 52 276 and uMfolozi at 39 203, while Nkandla and Mthonjaneni bring up the rear with 31 591 and 24 397 respectively.

Regional outreach officer Lihle Dube said a lot of effort has been put into educating young people on the country's democratic processes and encouraging them to exercise their right to vote come 29 May.

This has included various outreach programmes at local high schools and seven tertiary institutions within the district.

"The focus for 2024 was mainly on learners in the Further Education and Training (FET) phase as it is this phase that is ready to vote.

"The campaign aimed to educate, encourage and attract youth to participate in electoral activities, specifically to vote during the upcoming election," said Dube.

"Schools in the district were visited and learners were educated on the voting process. In some instances, they had an opportunity to simulate the process to ensure it is understood as some of them will be voting for the first time," she said.

These sessions included lessons on the three types of ballots that will be issued in this year's elections.

"Seven tertiary institutions in the district were also targeted for voter education, with the first phase conducted in February and March. The second phase is currently under way," said Dube.