University of South Africa: Midlands Region Holds Voter Engagement ‘Lekgotla’ to Foster Civic Participation

In his opening address, Mathews Kokong, Midlands Regional Director, stated that the region held the voters’ lekgotla to create awareness and educate the communities about their fundamental right to vote and exercise their votes correctly. This initiative was taken in collaboration with various stakeholders, including the IEC, Orbit TVET College, Kgotla ya Rakhudu and Radio Mafisa.

Kokong explained that a lekgotla is a place where discussions take place, especially in villages. Communities need to understand why they should exercise their fundamental rights and community members need to have the courage to inspire others to vote. Kokong stated that rights go hand in hand with responsibility and accountability, therefore citizens should hold those who are entrusted with their fundamental rights accountable, but this is lacking in our systems. There is not enough voter education, therefore the youth should be made aware at an early age that they have the right and responsibility to vote. They need to understand the importance of exercising this fundamental right.

During his presentation, Dr Koketso Rakhudu, leader of the Tsitsing community and member of the Royal Bafokeng Nation, highlighted that traditional leaders hold a unique position in their communities; they are the custodians of the people’s culture, heritage and traditions that have been passed down through generations. He further said traditional leaders are entrusted with the responsibility to lead and guide communities towards a better future. Furthermore, they play a key role by acting as a bridge between the people and the government to ensure that the needs and concerns of their communities are heard and addressed.

Rakhudu stated that democracy is not about elections and political institutions, but about ensuring that every voice is heard, every opinion is respected and every individual has the opportunity to participate in shaping the future of their community. He emphasised the importance of engaging with the youth and empowering them to become active participants in the democratic process. “The youth are the future of our communities, and we must provide them with the tools, knowledge and support to become leaders in their own right,” he said.

Rakhudu believes that traditional leaders have a unique opportunity to lead by example and to promote transparency, accountability and inclusivity in their communities. “By working together, listening to each other and respecting diverse perspectives, we can build stronger, more resilient communities that are truly democratic at their core,” he said. He urged all traditional leaders to embrace their role as champions of democracy, to work tirelessly towards creating a more inclusive, equitable society for all, and to lead with integrity, compassion and wisdom, guided by the values of their ancestors and the aspirations of their youth. “Together, we can build a future where democracy thrives, where every voice is heard, and where our communities flourish in peace and prosperity,” he said.

Reverend Lekubela Moobi, community leader, stated that the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa gives every citizen the right to choose persons to represent them in the three spheres of government, namely the local, provincial and national government. He highlighted that the right to vote enhances democracy and encouraged all present to cast their votes as responsible citizens. He emphasised that it is important to heighten voters’ level of consciousness about their right to freedom. Moobi urged every individual to become actively involved and participate in the upcoming elections. “Participating in the elections helps us to be progressive members of the society,” he said.

Maria Lethlake, Democracy Education Facilitator from the Independent Electoral Commission, explained the changes that voters will notice and the procedures they should follow during the upcoming general elections. She discussed voter registration, ballot papers, voting stations and independent candidates, and encouraged communities to participate in the upcoming elections.

Dr Olwethu Sipuka, Unisa’s Dean of Students, stated that in the democratic dispensation, Unisa appointed its first black female vice-chancellor in 150 years, Prof Puleng LenkaBula. This would have been impossible during the apartheid era. The new dispensation shows that everyone, regardless of their gender, can dream of becoming a vice-chancellor. Many of the 21 universities in South Africa now have female vice-chancellors.

Sipuka stated that mathematics and physical sciences will become extremely important during the next 30 years as economies and global political powers are shifting. There is no longer any need to be political to make sense in the global arena –mathematics and sciences must be used to entrench and position us in the global space. He stated that PESTEL analysis is used as a tool to gauge the external factors that determine where the country is going. It shows the political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal frameworks in which the country operates. The country needs to focus on these factors to determine what will happen in the next 30 years. He stated that the country’s economy has not fared well since Covid-19. Socially, South Africa is a cohesive country, but technologically we are still behind but getting there. The environment is conducive to growth, and our political and legal systems are robust.

Sipuka stated that the current status quo in education is that 90% of the country’s investment in education does not produce the desired results. This means that over the past 30 years, the number of students studying Mathematics or Physical Sciences has declined. The education system should be fixed, and educators should be provided with training and support to help learners to reach greater heights. There should be ways to fix the basic education system and to achieve better outcomes in higher education and as a country. Voters should vote for an individual who has the best interest of the country at heart and who can respond to the status quo in the country. “As citizens, we need to fix the ills of the country and steer our country in the right direction,” he said.

A voters’ lekgotla was also held at the Kimberley Regional Service Centre on 26 April 2024.