Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
The National Youth Commission wishes to record its concern on the reported low turnout of young eligible voters for voter registration.
The time for this country's young men and women to be fully involved in the rebuilding of our country is now. one of the ways in which this contribution can be actively expressed is through exercising the hard-won right to vote. To be able to do so in our country's crucial second democratic election in 1999 will require taking the time and effort to register as a voter at the very next opportunity.
The NYC therefore appeals to all young South Africans to heed the call of the IEC and register for the 1999 elections as soon as the chance arises again. The energy demonstrated by youth in developing the National Youth Policy needs to be recreated in the voter registration process to ensure that young people continue to have a central voice in our country's development.
The NYC also calls on the IEC to use all available resources to ensure the success of the voter registration drive in February 1999. In particular, we are keen to see specific strategies to promote the participation of young people and first-time voters. In this regard, the NYC is willing so sit down with the IEC to discuss effective ways in which this could happen.
For further information please call the NYC's Monde Mkalipi on Cell 082 575 3976.
Issued by the National Youth Commission