Archive post. Issued by SAMNET on 25 August 2025, reporting on a session held that morning. Published here as part of SAMNET’s archive. The invitation to partner schools and organisations remains open — email info@samnet.co.za.

SAMNET delivered a 45-minute session at Orient Islamic School in Durban. Over 100 learners from grades 10 to 12 attended.

The IEC registered around 50 learners in that time, and volunteered to stay through to first break to register more.

What was covered

Why voting matters; the context of apartheid; how small numbers decide outcomes; and why registration is the first step and not an afterthought.

What was more interesting

The number of students who stayed behind to ask questions — and what those questions revealed about where their thinking is.

  • Asked how many would want to leave South Africa to live or study abroad, a sizeable number raised their hands.
  • One student said he saw no point in voting, because of corruption.
  • Another asked how to choose who to vote for when every option conflicts with their morals.

Those are not apathetic questions. They are the questions of young people who have thought about it and reached an impasse — which is a very different problem to disengagement, and needs a different answer.

Feedback from the IEC

The IEC coordinators were pleased with the approach and the format, and are keen to repeat it at other schools we can bring on board.

They are seriously concerned about youth registration, against which they carry targets. They also highlighted that they are not reaching a diversity of voters — specifically that they are not reaching enough of the Muslim and Indian communities.

The IEC would welcome being present at community and religious events to assist with voter registration, and are looking for people to deliver engagements and presentations at high schools.

Thanks

SAMNET thanks Principal Saib of Orient Islamic School and his staff; Mr Ansur of the Association of Muslim Schools for facilitating; and project coordinator Ms Ndaba and her colleague from IEC Durban.

Partner with us

SAMNET invites schools and organisations anywhere in South Africa who would like to host or deliver a similar programme to get in touch — info@samnet.co.za or WhatsApp 084 333 3979.

Related

Why Registering for the Local Government Elections Is Critical · Teaching Activism · Urgent Call to Register to Vote

Shared by the South African Muslim Network (SAMNET) in the interest of increasing electoral awareness, education, voter registration and participation.