04.03.2026
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KZN survey shows voter confidence in government is declining: IEC

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  • KwaZulu-Natal provincial electoral officer, Ntombifuthi Masinga.

KwaZulu-Natal Provincia Electoral Officer Ntombifuthi Masinga says a recent survey has shown that voters’ have lost confidence in government and institutions associated with the state.

Masinga was speaking at an Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) workshop which is being held in Durban, ahead of the local government elections set to be held at the end of the year.

The workshop brought together young leaders, faith-based organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO)s where the commission’s work and the running of elections were explained to them.

Masinga says this affects the Independent Electoral Commission and its ability to deliver a free, fair and credible election as well.

“Looking at that it’s very clear that as the Electoral Commission we need to educate more about what we do and how we do it. But we also have that added responsibility of still encouraging people to participate because whether you participate or not, whoever is elected is going to be your government anyway. So we are saying rather participate than stay out of the process because you’d rather be part of shaping the future of this country than standing on the sidelines.”

Masinga says its particularly of interest to the IEC to reach young people because research shows that only 68 percent of people between the ages of 18 and 19 years old are registered to vote.

This is what some of the young people attending the workshop have to say.

“One thing that I take away is the information centered around the educational content to fight against misinformation. Post the 2024 elections, there were political parties and people who were disgruntled, speaking about votes being stolen, and how the IEC is corrupt and in cahoots with the bigger political parties.”

“It should actually be taken back to the people on the ground that they need to understand the importance of actually voting and understanding how the IEC works. Because most of the things we know about the IEC are hearsays.”

 

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