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This week, much like almost every other, has laid bare our government’s failings.

Torn apart by internal squabbles, we have witnessed a planned and executed “insurrection”, pulled off using social media mobilisation and the know-how of former uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) operatives.

MK was the ANC’s armed wing during the party’s struggle against the apartheid government.

But let’s not dwell on the negative, and instead celebrate the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) introducing an online voter registration portal.

The portal allows new voters to register, while already registered voters can easily update and amend their details.

That’s particularly important if you have recently moved, and want to ensure you’re eligible to vote in your correct ward.

ITWeb reports:

“The system will utilise a number of security checks to ensure the integrity of the voters’ roll,” says the IEC.

“These include the use of a one-time-PIN verification and the submission of a scan or photograph of the voter’s ID document…

The electoral commission believes the online portal will be key to boosting voter registration among young and first-time voters, despite COVID-19.

Local government elections are scheduled for October 27 this year.

In-person registration is planned for the weekend of July 31 and August 1, with voting stations across the country open between 8AM and 5PM.

However, if you have online access (you’re reading this, so…), there’s no need to leave the house.

Here’s the online voter registration portal, and here’s what you’ll find:

Click ‘Register to vote now’ and voila, you’re off.

The five-step process is laid out below, starting from around 20 seconds in:

Choose your government.

Your vote is your voice.

Which is another way of saying if you can’t be bothered to vote, then all that moaning rings a little hollow.

All South Africans aged 16 and above can register, but only those who are 18 or older on election day will be allowed to vote.

While you’re at it, those aged 35 and older can also register and book a COVID-19 vaccine slot – get it done.

[source:itweb]