Madlela Skhobokhobo
Gamuchirai Munemo
THE drive to encourage youths to register to vote through edutainment has resulted in a new hashtag — show me your slip — (voter registration certificate). Entertainment has been greatly used to acquire maximum participation of youths and elimination of voter apathy to this group.
Road shows, street bash awareness and concerts have been the attracting source of increase in youth registering to vote in this year’s elections. Local crowd pulling artistes like Winky D and Madlela Sikhobokhokho, among others have spearheaded voter education and encouraged youth registration. The use of registration certificates for entrance to the celebrity concerts has increased the number of youths accessing voter education. The availability of voter education through edutainment has further resulted in more young people registering to vote. This has furthermore, resulted in Zec deploying the BVR kits for people to register at concert entrances or street bashes hence the access to the fun.
The mop-up exercise saw an upward trend of youths registering to vote. The flashing out of a registration certificate has become a show off proof of a young person who is having fun. This has also led to an extension as even older people are lured to join the young folk that have an understanding of the right to vote and why it is necessary to participate. Therefore, inspiration of this act is not only on registering to vote to secure the future, but, it is registering to vote and enjoy the benefits of being a youth.