Voter education roadshow under way

“In preparation for the 2009 general election, we want to promote participation and create interest among the youth and public, 18 years and older, about voter and balloting education. During the four roadshows we will have a mock voting station, where people can interact and receive information on the Zip Zip machine and guidance for first-time voters on how to make their mark,” says Surekha Singh, commissioning editor of SABC Education's public information and social development unit.

The roadshow will communicate messages through youth discussion forums at universities based on the theme “using your vote to make a difference”. Sam Mpherwane, youth commissioning editor from SABC Education, who will host the forums, says: “We want to encourage the youth to take [an] interest in [the] democratic processes of the country. Experts from provincial Independent Electoral Commission offices, Student Representative Councils and Youth Organisations will participate.”

Roadshow dates

The roadshows start in the Northern Cape on 20 March at Mier Rietfontein then Eastern Cape on 24 March at the University of Walter Sisulu in Butterworth, then Limpopo on 31 March at the University of Limpopo Polokwane campus and, finally, KwaZulu-Natal on 7 April at Nongoma. The roadshows begin at 12 noon, and entrance is free. These provinces were selected in consultation with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). The HEIs recommended Limpopo and Eastern Cape based on campuses with historical low voter turnout. The HSRC recommended Northern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal based on a voter-participation survey that indicated access to voter education and electoral processes were lacking in rural areas in these provinces.

The campaign is the second phase of a bigger SABC ID campaign driven by SABC Education and the IEC. The first phase of the campaign ID-Ur-Self NOW! won two awards at the 2008 Government Communicators' Awards. Representatives from the national and provincial IEC, HEIs and local municipalities will be present at the four roadshows.