By Dideka Njemla
In collaboration with Grocott’s Mail and the School of Journalism and Media Studies at Rhodes University, we responded to the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) invitation to participate in its Human Rights Day and Democracy dialogue at Graaff Reinet. The dialogue aimed to improve and enhance youth voter engagement in the Eastern Cape.
According to the latest data from the most recent elections, the Commission reported that in the 2024 national and provincial elections, the Eastern Cape had the third-lowest voter turnout, at 53.40% nationally and 52.72% provincially. To address the issue of low turnout and encourage youth engagement, the IEC invited young people to share their insights. The Commission aimed to explore innovative strategies to increase youth involvement in registering and voting through an open panel discussion where students could engage with one another and IEC officials.
The panel discussion featured Chioma Tshonti and Bertrum Kees from EastCape Midlands College, who emphasised how tertiary students can encourage their peers to participate in elections. Seven speakers from Rhodes University – Ntombekhaya Busuku, Nomfundo Mbatha, Karabo Matalajoe, Lindokuhle Fuba, Maleruo Leponesa, Andisiwe Plaatjie, and Siphesihle Joji – were tasked with highlighting the importance of students in digital activism. The panel, which delved into various aspects concerning human rights and democracy, was facilitated by the Commission’s provincial senior communications and stakeholder relations officer, Sanda Nodada.
In an interview with Grocott’s Mail, Nodada stated that the IEC faces challenges working with youth-oriented institutions such as schools. “We’d like to take this beyond the region, making it a provincial program. The goal is to have a dialogue where we gather all universities involved and deliberate on such topics as the ones discussed today and be able to come to a resolution.”
Nodada further highlighted the anticipated changes the Electoral Commission aims to achieve through its youth-driven projects and programs. “We’d like to see this going forward, impacting our society and changing how our youth thinks in terms of democracy and the IEC as a whole,” he said. He lastly highlighted that the IEC continues to promote strengthening democracy with the involvement of citizens and political parties to ensure that national, provincial, and municipal elections are free, fair, and credible.
