Cape Town-based real estate agent and creative strategist, Luzuko Simani, has spoken out about the alleged gruelling working conditions faced by IEC officials during the local government elections.
Young people who worked as temporary IEC officials during this year’s local elections have taken to social media to expose what they describe as inhumane working conditions, including excessively long shifts, inadequate food and transport, and no organised bathroom breaks.
Among them is Cape Town-based real estate agent, creative strategist and artist Luzuko Simani.
In a video recorded at his Cape Town voting station on election day, Simani claimed that several IEC staff had resigned that morning, leaving remaining staff members to take on additional responsibilities.
He later shared a video detailing his experience, saying he had worked 39 hours over three days.
“I did not do it as a side hustle. I did it as a side quest so that I can learn what goes into that process. The hours are long. I worked 39 hours in three days. The workload and the inefficiency of it are disrespectful,” he said.
Second worker reports lack of breaks and toilet facilities
Simani questioned why temporary election workers were expected to work such long shifts without adequate support, particularly when it came to transport and basic necessities.
“You can't expect me to work between the hours of 6pm and 6am and not provide transport. By law, you are supposed to provide transport. Don't make people work 26 hours and not even give them food, let alone give them tea and smoke breaks like humans.
“Pregnant women having to pee themselves. That is what pisses me off the most. It's the inhumanity that the IEC turns a blind eye to,” he said.
Simani argued that the commission could not expect workers to perform under such conditions while dismissing concerns about labour rights.
“If you want people to work like robots, just automate and get robots,” he said.
Complaints spread on TikTok
Another worker shared a similar experience.
“I did not want to speak because it was going to sound like I am being unappreciative. But the conditions are so inhumane; the hours are long with no lunch break, no chance to go relieve yourself. My station had portable toilets that were in such a bad state. None of us could use them, especially us ladies,” the worker said.
The complaints have since become a talking point on TikTok, with several young people using the same audio to share their experiences, some in a humorous manner.
The criticism comes as the IEC celebrated the successful conclusion of the elections and announced its final results on Sunday evening.
During the announcement at the National Results Operation Centre in Gauteng, the commission revealed that its election-day survey found that 95% of voters were satisfied with their voting experience.
However, while the survey highlighted positive feedback from voters, the concerns raised by temporary election officials about their working conditions were not addressed during the announcement.
The IEC has yet to publicly respond to the specific allegations raised by the workers.