History Matters

Over 21.6 million South Africans had registered to vote in the 2009 election, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said on Wednesday. Briefing the media following the countrywide voter registration weekend, IEC chairwoman Brigalia Bam said the drive had far exceeded expectations with more than 1.6 million new voters registering. “The IEC is delighted to see [...]

History Matters is gearing up for the next general elections to be held in 2009 by putting together relevant and interesting resources for readers who want to be informed about the promises that political parties are making to the electorate. What are your election issues? What are the problems and challenges that you feel need [...]

    On 8 and 9 November 2008, the Electoral Commission (IEC) will open 19 713 voting stations from 8am to 5pm to enable first-time voters to register. It is also an opportunity for voters who have moved house to re-register in their new voting district. All details are available on the IEC’s website but please [...]

Atlanta Stadium, Witbank (Emalahleni), 26 October 2008 Comrades, compatriots, defenders of the revolution, young lions Today we mark 64 fighting years of our gallant youth movement which has distinguished itself as a trendsetter and a political home to South Africa’s youth. Throughout its history, it has led from the front and produced many leaders of [...]

By Rapule Tabane (Mail&Guardian) Imagine the ANC losing 10% of the 10-million South Africans who voted for it in the last national and local government elections in 2004 and 2006. Is that a pipe dream or a realistic possibility? It will not happen for as long as the ruling party has to compete only against [...]

By Mandy Rossouw (Mail&Guardian) Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Helen Zille is to meet Archbishop Desmond Tutu to discuss his stated intention not to vote in next year’s elections. Writing in her weekly newsletter on the DA website, Zille said Tutu had agreed to meet her to discuss the comments he made to the Sunday Times [...]