South Africa’s 2024 general elections delivered a sobering reality: only 59% of registered voters turned up to cast their ballots, leaving millions of voices unheard. As the nation grapples with this sharp decline in electoral participation, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is now exploring an ambitious solution—electronic voting (e-voting).
To test its viability, the IEC has launched a six-month national consultation, inviting public input on whether digital democracy can—and should—be the future of South African elections. While some see e-voting as a chance to modernize and engage youth voters, others caution that it could deepen inequality or introduce new risks to electoral integrity.
To get a pulse on public sentiment, TechCabal spoke to six South Africans across different sectors. Their responses paint a nuanced picture of hope, hesitation, and hard questions about the future of voting in the country.
🧑🏾‍⚕️ “Make E-Voting Inclusive, Not Exclusive” — Atiya Mosam, Public Health Physician
Dr. Atiya Mosam, a public health expert and director at Mayibuye Health, raises a critical concern: Who will e-voting really serve?
In previous elections, affluent communities experienced quick, seamless voting while less-resourced areas suffered hours-long queues. For Mosam, any digital shift must bridge—not widen—this existing gap.
“It took us less than 15 minutes to vote because of the suburb we live in… while others had to sacrifice a large amount of their day waiting in line,” she noted. “My hope is that we do not further entrench inequity by introducing a system that benefits only a few.”
Her message is clear: digital voting must be designed for all, not just the digitally privileged.
🕒 “Let It End the Long Queues—But Keep It Free” — Anna Harris-Stone, HR Consultant
Anna Harris-Stone, an HR consultant and SME mentor, has little patience for the inefficiencies of traditional voting.
She recalls spending five grueling hours in a “short” line at a polling station in Polokwane—only to see many give up before reaching the booth. Her experience left her open to change.
“After my last waste of a day, I’m definitely keen for a tech solution,” she said. “But knowing the data cost challenges for many, it must be free to access.”
For Harris-Stone, convenience must not come with a hidden price tag. Any platform that charges voters to participate could unintentionally disenfranchise them.
🧠“A Gateway or a Risk?” — Sam Wilcox–Diedericks and Nokuthula Cwele
South Africa’s tech-savvy youth—aged 18 and above—comprise nearly 42% of the voting population (over 11.7 million people). E-voting seems like an intuitive fit for this group. But some experts warn: more technology doesn’t always mean more trust.
Leadership coach Sam Wilcox–Diedericks is cautiously curious.
“It could bring higher levels of participation, especially from youth… but also new opportunities for fraud and corruption,” he said. “Maybe a hybrid system could work—I need to be educated.”
Nokuthula Cwele, a sexual and reproductive health rights expert, shares Wilcox–Diedericks’ skepticism. While younger voters may quickly adapt, she worries about how e-voting would affect electoral oversight.
“What is the plan for the IEC and other observers?” she asked. “Will they be replaced by IT systems? How many professionals would be required to manage this backend?”
These questions underscore the need for clarity, transparency, and rigorous planning before rolling out any national digital voting platform.
📊 “E-Voting is Essential—Or Risk Losing More Voters” — Ngozi Kiiza and Lusungu Kanchenche
For some, the time for e-voting isn’t just coming—it’s already here.
Data analyst Ngozi Kiiza believes e-voting is key to addressing South Africa’s long-term challenges in sustainability, accessibility, and efficiency.
“Traditional voting is costly and resource-intensive,” she said. “E-voting can reduce environmental impact, save funds, and boost participation—especially in rural areas and among people with disabilities.”
Kiiza points to examples from Estonia and India, where secure digital voting has succeeded, arguing that South Africa must follow suit or risk being left behind.
“Cybersecurity threats are real, but with robust oversight—like the U.S.’s response to election interference—risks can be mitigated,” she added.
Lusungu Kanchenche, CEO and Co-founder of Ungweru-Chiedza Social Development, echoes that sentiment. For him, blockchain technology could provide the transparency and trust the system needs.
“There’s a trust issue, yes,” Kanchenche admitted, “but blockchain could help ensure votes are secure and credible.”
🇿🇦 South Africa’s Crossroads: Modernize or Miss the Moment?
As the debate unfolds, one thing is clear: South Africa stands at a democratic crossroads.
On one hand, e-voting offers solutions to many longstanding problems—long queues, inaccessible locations, limited oversight, and administrative burden. On the other, it raises legitimate concerns about digital equity, system integrity, and public trust.
Key Takeaways:
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Accessibility is everything: Any e-voting system must work for everyone—not just the digitally connected.
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Security and transparency are non-negotiable: Trust in elections hinges on how votes are recorded and counted.
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Public education is vital: Voters, observers, and officials must understand the technology to believe in it.
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Learn from others: Countries like Namibia (first in Africa to adopt e-voting in 2014) and the DRC (2018) offer valuable lessons.
đź’ˇ Final Thoughts
Skepticism is a natural part of innovation. Not long ago, mobile banking and cashless payments were dismissed as risky ideas. Today, they are the norm.
If done right, e-voting could become another transformative innovation—one that not only boosts participation but helps South Africa lead digital democracy across the continent.
But the road to that future demands open dialogue, thoughtful design, and national consensus.
🗣 What’s your take?
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Should South Africa implement e-voting in the next election?
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Can digital platforms overcome the country’s infrastructure gaps?
Join the conversation in the comments below.
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