Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana
Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana today stepped into the Riebeeckstad Library in Welkom to cast his vote for the special voting period of #SAelections24.
“As I put the three crosses on the ballot paper, flashbacks of the 1994 elections, our first ever in South Africa, came storming back. It was also a reminder that this right, dare I say this sacred right to vote, did not come easy,” said Dukwana, reflecting on the significance of the moment.
“It was not given to us. South Africans, the majority in particular, waged a relentless battle which went on for decades, for the right to exercise this right.”
“As I walked into the venue to vote, I thought of friends I lost in this struggle. I remembered those who were left with scars, physical and emotional, following vicious torture from the police. I remembered how, during my days as an activist committed to fighting for the liberation of our country, I was also ruthlessly tortured by apartheid police. I remembered the night raids, the screaming of fellow activists as they were thrown into police vehicles. I remembered the boiling anger every weekend as we buried those lost in the struggle. I remembered being willing to lay my own life down for the realisation of a free South Africa. as long as I am alive, I will continue reminding our people of the sacrifices made in pursuance of a country free of discrimination and hate.”
“We managed to achieve that and that is why, I and many others, cast our special votes today. I appeal to all registered citizens of our province to do the same today, tomorrow and on Wednesday. Let us please go out in our numbers and vote to defend the gains of our hard won freedom.”said Dukwana
The special voting period commencing today will extend until tomorrow from 9 AM to 5 PM, a prelude to the general Election Day scheduled for Wednesday, 29 May 2024. The Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has confirmed its readiness to manage the special votes, ensuring that every eligible citizen is afforded the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
The IEC’s Executive announced that special votes are not only crucial for South Africans abroad, who have already cast their votes, but also for those with unique needs within the country. This includes individuals with impaired mobility or other conditions, who will receive home visits from IEC officials to facilitate their voting process. Moreover, those unable to access their voting stations on Election Day are granted the option to vote early.
During a media briefing on Sunday, IEC Deputy Chief Electoral Officer, Masego Sheburi, expressed satisfaction with the turnout for special votes. Over 1.6 million South Africans have been authorised to vote during this period, including 624,593 individuals scheduled for home visits by IEC staff. The remaining approved voters are expected to visit designated voting stations.
“We are encouraged by the number of special votes received, which indicates the enthusiasm with which the South African population approaches these elections,” Sheburi commented.
To uphold transparency, each special vote will be conducted in the presence of representatives from contesting parties and observers, granted the homeowner permits their entry. Voters are reminded to have their identity documents ready to verify their eligibility.
Voters will follow a secure double-envelope system to maintain the secrecy and integrity of their votes. After marking their ballot, voters will place it into an unmarked envelope, which will then be inserted into a larger envelope bearing their details. This ensures that only eligible special voters are verified, while the confidentiality of individual votes is preserved.
For those attending in-person special voting, polling stations will operate between 9 AM to 5 PM, exclusively serving approved special voters. Post voting, the ballots securely sealed in their double envelopes will be transported to a safe storage location. These will remain there until 29 May 2024 when the verification and counting process begins.
The IEC has also made extensive preparations to assist voters with disabilities, aiming to ensure they can vote with dignity and in secrecy. In collaboration with the South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB), the IEC has developed a Universal Ballot Template, enabling visually impaired voters and those with unsteady hands to mark their ballots independently.
“Working together with the South African National Council for the Blind, we have developed a voting aid… for persons who can read Braille, allowing them to vote without disclosing their choice. For those with unsteady hands, they will be able to use the Universal Ballot Template to make their mark without disclosing their choice or relying on companions for assistance,” Sheburi elaborated.
_______________________________________
Central News Weekly Edition 054: Download the latest special edition of Central News Print and Digital Newspaper. Top Story : “National Results Operation Centre (ROC) for the 2024 National Elections Unveiled in Midrand”.
Download Here:
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
________________________
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
#centralnewsza