South Africa's JCPS Cluster Ministers Outline Readiness for 2021 Municipal Elections

Strategic Insights -

The government of South Africa, through the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster, has briefed the public on their readiness for the upcoming 2021 Municipal Elections. As a public holiday is declared on November 1st, the cluster aims to ensure a free and fair election process. The JCPS Cluster has implemented various measures to prevent crime and ensure voter safety.

Key Takeaways:

  • The JCPS Cluster has put in place an election security plan managed by national, provincial, district, and local Joint Operations and Intelligence Structures (JOINTS) to ensure police visibility at voting stations and prevent crime.
  • The Intelligence Coordinating Committee (ICC) has conducted a security threat assessment and categorized voting stations into high, medium, and low risk, with the police deploying accordingly.
  • The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) continues to meet weekly to plan and analyze the safety and security situation in the country and implement measures to protect citizens.
  • The Task Team investigating political murders in KwaZulu-Natal has made several arrests and secured multiple life sentences, as well as sentences between 10 and 15 years, for politically related crimes.
  • The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has extended its operating hours by 2.5 hours in 197 out of 412 offices that can process Smart ID cards and passports, aiming to meet demand for services.
  • The DHA will assist people who have lost or misplaced their IDs to apply for a Temporary Identity Certificate during the voting period, with 370,000 uncollected IDs currently at Home Affairs offices.
  • The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will be on standby to provide support to the IEC and SAPS, protecting National Key Points.
  • The Electoral Court, established in accordance with the Amended Electoral Act of 2021, will deal with electoral disputes and complaints about infringements of the Electoral Code of Conduct.

Statistics:

  • 197 out of 412 Department of Home Affairs offices have extended their operating hours by 2.5 hours.
  • 370,000 uncollected IDs are currently at Home Affairs offices.
  • The Task Team has made several arrests and secured multiple life sentences, as well as sentences between 10 and 15 years, for politically related crimes.
  • The SANDF will be deployed at voting stations to protect citizens and assist law-enforcement agencies.

Sources:

  • Government of South Africa, briefing statement of the JCPS Cluster Ministers (2021)