South Africa is preparing for another election where every vote counts, but not everyone knows how their choices will impact the country's future.
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Democratic elections are sometimes taken for granted. Choices about who holds positions of power have not always existed. In April 1994, South Africans were given the right to elect their own politicians for the first time.
Your voice matters. Are you going to use it to decide the future of the country?
Learn more about how to register and why it's important.
Your vote matters. Would you like to use it?
According to the South Carolina government, registering to vote is easy, whether it's for a local, regional or national election.
Voter registration records your details and ensures fair and countable elections.
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This is like a CAPTCHA system for AI bots to keep voting fair. If you have not registered before the election, you will not be able to proceed.
Voter registration takes minutes.
Register to vote here
Register to vote on the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) website.
Registering to vote records your personal information to confirm that you are eligible and registered to participate.
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Without this step, your voice cannot be heard.
After registering, go to your nearest polling place and vote.
South Africa's first democratic elections
What's the difference?
This is a question often asked around election time. Remember: each entry must be counted and taken into account during a fair democratic election.
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South Africa's first democratic elections were held in April 1994. Before that, I didn't have a choice. Look what we were stuck with before then.
Cast yourself. That's important.
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Read more articles by François Jansen (Alex J. Coyne)
