The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) confirmed last week that the by-election to elect a new councillor for Ward 5 will be taking place in October this year.
Ward 5 includes Edgemead, Bothasig, Burgundy Estate, Richwood and De Zicht.
The by-election comes after the resignation of the former ward councillor, Helen Carstens. Carstens served as a ward councillor for eight years and resigned, citing family responsibilty as the main reason.
The by-election will take place on Wednesday 12 October, the IEC’s spokesperson Kate Bapela says. Voters who are not yet registered can do so by visiting their respective voting stations during registration weekend. Alternatively, they can also register online by visiting the IEC’s website on www.elections.org.za.
The registration weekend is scheduled to take place this coming weekend – Saturday 27 August and Sunday 28 August. The registration stations will be open from 08:00 until 17:00.
In a statement issued last week by the IEC it listed Riverside College, Wolraad Woltemade Primary School, Bosmansdam High School, Edgemead Primary School, Edgemead High School and the Edgemead Cricket Club as being registration venues.
Voting will also take place at the same venues, except for Bosmansdam High School where it will be taking place at the Bothasig Community Hall, the statement indicates.
Voters need to bring with them their original South African identity document, smart card or temporary ID to be able to register, Bapela says.
According to the IEC statement, citizens 16 years and older, as well as voters residing in the ward are requested to visit the registration venue to register to vote; check their registration details or status; and update their registration details, if they now reside in the ward.
Bapela says the list of parties contesting these by-elections will be available closer to the by-election and in accordance with the timetable.
There are currently 23 344 registered voters in Ward 5, according to the IEC.
James Vos, Mayco member for economic growth and proportional representative (PR), has been assigned to assist with the affairs in Ward 5 in his capacity as PR councillor until the new ward councillor is elected.
Vos was a former councillor in the area.
