Qualitative and quantitative perspectives on voter empowerment in South Africa: the Matla Trust Voter Education Project

The advancement of democracy and political participation in South Africa demands an understanding of voter empowerment. This article presents a study of voting-related attitudes and skills in the run-up to the 26-29 April 1994 South African election, focusing on the Matla Trust Voter Education Project. This project combined qualitative (a focus group) and quantitative (a national survey) research methodologies. The article deals with the project’s research strategies and the nature and value of the project’s findings. The dimension of voter empowerment/disempowerment is explored in terms of motivation (or lack of motivation) to participate in the electoral process and in terms of political, social and demographic variables. App., bibliogr., notes, ref., sum.