IEC Registration Weekend: Julius Malema Challenges Idea of Youth Voter Apathy

IEC Registration Weekend: Julius Malema Challenges Idea of Youth Voter Apathy

  • Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema disputed claims of the youth's disinterest in politics
  • Malema stated that young people are keen on making their voices heard and urged them to register to vote
  • Netizens weighed in on their stance as the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) endeavours to increase registered voters during the weekend
Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema
Julius Malema at Hitekani Primary School in Soweto Johannesburg. Image: @EFFSouthAfrica
Source: Twitter

JOHANNESBURG - Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema is taking a stand against the perceived notion of voter apathy among South Africa's youth.

During a visit to Hitekani Primary School in Soweto, Malema aimed to dispel this perception as part of the EFF's drive to encourage eligible voters to register.

Exercise the right to vote

This initiative coincides with the Independent Electoral Commission's (IEC) efforts to boost registered voters during the registration weekend.

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Despite data from the IEC indicating that only 280 000 people in the 18 to 19 age group are registered to vote, Malema said the youth are determined to exercise their right to vote, reported SABCNews.

Call for youth to register to vote

Addressing the youth directly, Malema encouraged them to participate in the democratic process by registering to vote. He highlighted that the EFF attracts young people who are not only active but also socially aware of the challenges and issues in society.

Mzansi reacts to Malema's words

See a few comments below:

Gabie Kleintjies said:

"Democracy is destroying the people of South Africa. Killing us with politricks, making people believe in a tool of enslavement and politicians."

Michael Johnson posted:

"No political party has convinced me enough to have confidence in the elections."

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Zayn Zanele mentioned:

"I would rather sleep than vote. Good luck to ANC next year anyway."

Murwa Maremane posted:

"We aren't voting, bru."

Afroh Andile commented:

"Always targeting people you think will vote for you."

Julius Malema calls for clean election campaign

In another article, Briefly News reported that EFF leader Julius Malema has called on party members to uphold a clean election campaign, steering clear of violence and insults.

His statement follows a recent viral video showing EFF councillors in eThekwini involved in a physical altercation with council security guards.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Hilary Sekgota avatar

Hilary Sekgota (Deputy Human Interest HOD) Hilary Sekgota is the Head of Desk for Evening and Weekend content at Briefly News. She completed a BA in Communication Science from Unisa in 2018 and a Diploma in Journalism from Varsity College in 2010. She also passed a set of trainings by Google News Initiative. Hilary joined the Briefly News team in 2022 and started her journalism career at Tshwane Sun. She has 12 years of experience covering current affairs and human interest topics. Email: hilary.sekgota@briefly.co.za