As part of the preparations for this year’s upcoming National and Provincial elections, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), working in conjunction with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) embarked on a three-day voter registration for inmates from 30 January to 01 February 2024 at correctional facilities across the country. This is to ensure that inmates (sentenced and non-sentenced) also become part of the South Africans who will be exercising their democratic right to cast their vote in the upcoming elections.
Deputy Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Nkosi Phathekile Holomisa, accompanied by a high-level delegation which included DCS National Commissioner, Makgothi Thobakgale and IEC Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, visited Johannesburg and Kgoši Mampuru II Management Areas on 31 January 2024, to oversee the inmates’ voter registration. He mentioned that the inmates’ voter registration drive is meant to ensure that all South Africans, above 18 years old, with an Identity Document (ID) are accorded an opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote during elections. “We are here to oversee the process and to confirm that all inmates are being given an opportunity to register in terms of regulations applicable, as they are entitled to vote despite being incarcerated. We have witnessed that the registration process is conforming to the standards that were set,” explained Deputy Minister Holomisa.
Outlining the inmates’ voter registration process, National Commissioner, Makgothi Thobakgale indicated that an online registration is being administered, with the assistance from IEC. He also mentioned that the Department of Home Affairs is also assisting with the issuing of identity documents for inmates who did not have. “There are over 139 000 inmates who are eligible to vote, although the numbers may fluctuate due to the releases and admissions of inmates over these three days, however, we anticipate that over 20 000 inmates will register to vote,” said Commissioner Thobakgale.
The IEC Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo highlighted that there are protocols and regulations to be adhered to when operating inside a security institution such as DCS, and assured that the IEC has been functioning within that discipline. He explained that this is to ensure that the security of the system is not compromised. “We have had a good working relationship with DCS in planning for these registrations and the execution thereof. I can also confirm that political party agents are also here to observe that the registrations are conducted fairly. We are also impressed with the progress made so far,” he said.
Mr Dumisani, an inmate at Johannesburg Management Area Medium B, thanked DCS for the opportunity granted to them to be able to register to vote. “I would like to thank DCS and IEC for considering and encouraging us to register, and for ensuring that we are also given a chance to vote. I have been voting since 1994 and I look forward to this year’s elections,” said Dumisani.
Similarly, Luyanda who is incarcerated at Kgoši Mampuru II Management Area thanked the South African government for affording inmates an opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote. He also commended the sterling work being done behind the scene to encourage inmates to register to vote. “Throughout the corridors of the correctional facility, there are posters telling us about how to register to vote. Even on the notice boards, there is information reminding and urging us to register to vote,” said Luyanda. He urged the government to intensify efforts to educate the general populace about the importance of participating in electoral processes.
