Written by: Pearl Kupe
The date for the upcoming local government elections is just around the corner. The Constitutional Court dismissed an application by the IEC (Electoral Commission of South Africa) to have the elections postponed to February 2022. The new date set for the local government elections by the Minister of Co-operative Governance, Dr. Nkosazana-Dlamini Zuma, is Monday November 1 2021.
In just over a months’ time, South Africans will be voting in the local government elections. Voter registration has consequently been opened for physical registration (in person) over the weekend of September 18 & 19 2021.
What does the Bible say about voting?
As believers it is important to exercise our civic responsibility to vote. It is not only a civic responsibility, but a biblical one as well. As the ekklesia, the Church or Body of Yeshua has a biblical responsibility to vote. We cannot effectively be salt and light if we do not exercise our right to vote in appropriate leaders who can serve the nation in a befitting manner.
Voter apathy
Voter apathy has been increasing over the years. Many South Africans Have not voted because they are disillusioned and believe that their vote will not count. Others have refrained from voting because they believe the political arena is too corrupt. It is precisely for that reason that people need to vote! For positive change to take place in the nation we must exercise both faith in prayer and works with voting.
Good citizens must demonstrate active citizenry and ensure that they participate in the voting process.
How to vote
Don’t vote emotionally. The fact that your parents may have been voting for a particular party over the years is not justification for voting for that political party. Consider the issues and consider the possibility that the party that your parents voted for may have since abandoned the values that they once stood for.
What are some of the pertinent questions to ask when voting for a candidate?
- Is the candidate qualified for the post they are standing for?
- What has their track record been like over the years?
- What is their character like? Have they been found guilty of offences involving moral turpitude? Who are their best friends and associates? Proverbs 13:20 says “He that walks with the wise shall be wise”
- What is their stance on certain issues? Are their views and perspectives aligned with biblical principles?
Vote for the individual who is best suited. Look for good character traits and values as well as qualifications, skill, and experience.
A special call to the Youth
This is a clarion call to young people to vote. Ke Nako, you too have a voice and must use it to express kingdom worldviews and perspectives. Use your voice to ensure that we get the South Africa we deserve and want to see birthed.
Time to register!
Registration is re-opened this September and it entitles a voter to be included on the roll, vote, nominate candidates, and stand for public office. It is important that individuals register in the voting district where you live. This is important for municipal elections since you can only vote in the voting district where you are registered.
Who can register?
- South African citizens;
- minimum age is 16 years old (you can only vote from age 18); and
- and have a green, bar-coded ID book; smartcard ID; or valid Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC). Only original documents will be accepted, no copies.
How do I know if or where I’m registered?
To check your registration details, you can:
- send an SMS with your ID number to 32810 (R1.00 per SMS);
- download the IEC’s mobile app and enter your ID number;
- Check your voter registration details;
- or check at your local IEC office during office hours.
When do I have to re-register?
You need to re-register when:
- your home address changes (if you’ve moved a short distance, please see Moved since you registered to find out how to check if your voting district has changed), or ;
- the IEC informs you that your voting district boundaries have changed. Check your voter registration details to find out if you may have to re-register.
For more registration details, log onto website – www.elections.org.za
Deuteronomy 30:19 says “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live”
#KeNako
Let us be encouraged to choose to vote, choose wisely, choose life, and choose blessings so that both ourselves and our seed can live!
Join us on our Facebook page #WeShallNotBeSilent and me on my Personal Facebook page
Join us also on clubhouse @Pearlkupe for our G2G (Generation 2 Generation) free mentorship programme for women and TheDeborahs972 mentoring programme for female lawyers and law students.
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Date published: 15/09/2021
Feature image: Artwork adapted from unsplash.com
Dr. Pearl Kupe is an attorney and international consultant to world leaders and international organisations. She is the international president of the Global Forum for Women Entrepreneurs (www.gfwe.co.za). Email pearl.kupe@gmail.com or visit www.pearlkupe.co.za
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