Johannesburg – Homeless people in Cape Town will also vote in the 2021 Local Government Elections.
Mayco member for Community Services and Health, Zahid Badroodien said the city has assisted many of the homeless to register to vote but there are major challenges that are hindering the poor from casting their ballot.
There are 14,000 homeless people roaming the streets of Cape Town.
Those who have experienced the hardships of the city have expressed how hopeful they are that their vote will bring positive change.
“For me personally, I do feel now coming into these elections that something else will be done by the government to try and empower the homeless instead of chasing the homeless from where they are,” said Anda Mazantsana.
Others, however, say they have been robbed of their democratic right to vote.
Voters are required to have an identity document in order to make their mark. The City of Cape Town said it’s harder to assist the homeless with IDs if they don’t have a permanent place of residence.
Badroodien said: “because it’s elections and because those who have accepted our support in our safe spaces may have access to IDs, they now have an opportunity as well.”
“So there are two main issues at play here. One is obviously access to IDs which unlocks your ability to vote and unlocks your ability to employment but also we see, unfortunately, homeless people move around from community to community.”
As election day comes closer, politicians will be hoping for as many votes even if it’s from citizens who don’t have a roof over their heads.
