Why Vote?
You want to have a say in how our country is run?
Show up. Register. Cast your vote.
For things to change, for things to get better, you have to vote.
No Vote. No Voice!
Hear from three Influencers on why voting is the best way to make your voice heard.
Get Ready to Vote
Show Up
If you are +18 years and a citizen, you have a right to vote in South Africa’s elections and choose leaders locally and nationally.
Register
To register you must:
- be an SA citizen
- be 16 years old (you can only vote from age 18)
- and have a green, bar-coded ID/ smartcard ID
Why Register?
- New voters (1st time voters) have to register so the IEC can verify who you are & where you stay
- If you have moved district or province, update your voter registration
How To Register?
Cast Your Vote
On Election Day, check the voting station you are assigned to by the IEC here
Take your green, bar-coded ID/ smartcard ID to the voting station in your area and cast your vote confidentially and anonymously in the voting booths provided.
10 Reasons Why Your Vote Matters
1.Your needs matter
The youth unemployment rate is currently 66.5% for those aged 15 to 24 years and 43.8% for those aged 25 to 34 years. Youth who vote can ensure that elected officials make youth unemployment a priority.
2.We fought for democracy
South Africans fought for democracy, for the right for black people and women to vote. Do your part, play a role in the decisions that affect you and how you live.
3. Voting protects democracy
Politicians get elected because of the people who vote for them. Those politicians only represent the interests of their supporters. You want them to listen to your needs, show up and vote.
4. Every vote matters
Many people don’t vote because they think one vote doesn’t matter. Every vote holds a lot of power and could decide which leader gets elected. Every single vote matters.
5. It shapes laws and policies
There are many social issues affected by elections: unemployment, education, poverty alleviation, housing. If you vote, you can have a say in the laws and policies that affect you.
6. Voting shapes the economy
Laws affect social issues and they shape the economy. Elected politicians decide on government budgets and priority areas. By voting, you ensure issues affecting you are represented.
7. It impacts your wallet
Speaking of how much things cost, voting affects your money. Elected officials are in charge of budgets. Taxes fund those budgets. Voting lets you have a say in where that money goes and who has to pay what.
8. Hold leaders accountable
Votes have a lot of power. Elected leaders are accountable to you, for the promises they make. Votes can keep elected officials in office or have them removed if they break their promises. The choice is yours.
9. Voting impacts the present and the future
People vote on the issues that matter to them now, but voting also impacts the future. Elected officials serve for 4 years, which is a long time. The decisions they make and the actions they take can affect life for you in the future. Choose wisely.
10. Exercise your human right
You can have a say in who runs they government, the decisions being made, the priorities selected and the officials that serve our country. Black people and women were not allowed to vote 30 years ago, you do. Make it count.
Pledge to vote
Do you commit to register and vote in the next elections?
If you are 16 years and older, Take Our Pledge to register and vote in the next elections. Thank you for playing your role.
Take Our Pledge
Partner With Us
Become a Rainbow Leaders Youth Ambassador?
Help us to encourage other young people to register and cast their vote in the next elections.
Become an Ambassador
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Schools Programme
Want our team to visit your high school and host a talk to encourage eligible youth to vote? Email us below with details of your high school and its location.
Location
Cape Town, South Africa
About Us
Rainbow Leaders is an independent, a-political NGO encouraging young South Africans to be a force for change, to strengthen and participate in our democracy. We want young people to register, to vote, to choose responsible leaders and hold them accountable.
Credentials
Registered Non-Profit Organisation
PBO Tax Exempt
Section 18A Accredited
Independant & a-political
Privacy Policy