The 'disaffected' millions - why aren't South Africans registering to vote?

This past weekend, more than 300 000 people registered to vote in the upcoming elections.

About 55 000 of the people who registered on Saturday have never voted before, according to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).

"... in the context of the total number of people who are eligible to participate in elections, it still really falls short..."

- Terry Tselane, Executive Chair- Institute of Election Management Services in Africa

There are about 42 million South Africans who are eligible to vote, yet only 27 million are registered to do so.

"... registration in South Africa is not compulsory, unlike in countries such as Australia."

- Terry Tselane, Executive Chair- Institute of Election Management Services in Africa

Tselane blames messaging from political parties and the IEC, and the lack of resources spent to motivate citizens for the slow pace of registrations.

"... a significant group of people in South Africa... are just disaffected about what is going on in the country."

- Terry Tselane, Executive Chair- Institute of Election Management Services in Africa

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.