When the 2019 elections are done and dusted, the results are expected to usher in massive changes in governance.
This will be following a mock voting process for grades 4 – 7 learners at Iphutheng Primary School leading to the harmonised, national and provincial elections on 8 May which pundits also anticipate to be hotly contested. The initiative, which the school conducts before every election, was contested by four political parties: Elephants, Leopard, Snake and Lion and was preceded by a robust campaign and ambitious manifestos resembling the real deal. “The exercise raises in the children, awareness on the purpose, importance and expectation their parents have from the voting process and prepares them for when they become eligible voters,” teacher Alice Mathiba said.
The children ululated their preferences as the party representatives dished out their promises and, anxiety and excitement was visible on faces as a winding queue meandered along classroom as they waited to cast their ballots. Mathiba said the process, replete with IEC branded ballot boxes, voter registers, ink makers, ballot papers, presiding officers, party agents who ensured the boxes were not tampered with gave the children the real feeling of voting.
A media contingent and Democracy Education facilitators under the IEC who have been conducting pre-election community civil education since January were also on hand. “The experience gained will make children aware of parties’ obligation to society, commitment to promoting moral issues and adherence to the Constitution which are central to governing the country and making the citizens’ lives and country better.”
The campaign messages where coherent and within range of the real needs of the children in the school environment. “As the Lion party we will guarantee good health and hygiene by ensuring toilets are cleaned three time daily, litter is eliminated in the school grounds, dedicated security will be placed at toilets and gate, bullying and truancy will be stopped,” said party representatives.
The Snake party committed to make the school a model for education with expanded playgrounds to promote excellence in sports and physical education. “Soap will be provided in toilets to promote health and hygiene, every learner will be provided uniforms and shoes and more classrooms will be constructed to reduce overcrowding,” a party representative said.
The Tiger party promised to promote sports to expose children to their talents, introduce extra lessons to enhance quality education and develop the children’s loyalty to the country. The Elephant party intended to strengthen sporting codes – netball and soccer, ensure poor learners have scholar transport, adequate stationery, will provide tablets with learning programme to every learner and ensure they are well groomed for class and bags to secure their stationery.
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