Out of 54 matric learners (two classes) at Edenvale High School who are eligible to vote on election day, 47 learners have not registered to vote.
Also read: #IMadeMyMark: Seniors shares words of wisdom for May 8
The numbers do not reflect the total number of matric learners at the school and all those surveyed were 18 years old.
The NEWS caught up with some of these learners who talked about their excitement to vote for the first time. Others shared their reasons for not voting.
Also read: A FREE AND FAIR ELECTION
An 18-year-old Luka Mihajlovic said it was his duty as a South African citizen to vote as he believes in a successful future for himself in South Africa.
“Students my age shouldn’t have to worry about leaving the county that they love.
“SA is a beautiful country with amazing people. It has many opportunities that need to be preserved for ourselves and future generation.”
“I will vote because I believe that our country has potential and needs proper leadership to reach its fullest potential,” said the 18-year-old Dylan Tjabring.
For Dylan, the media has played a role in influencing his decision to vote.
David Adams will also make his mark for the first time and believes voting gives the public a chance to influence the political and economic freedom in the country.
Jessica Mpofu and Paula Nkosi do not share their fellow learners’ sentiments.
Jessica (18) said she doesn’t believe that any of the parties will deliver on their promises.
“With so much corruption going on in the country, you never know which party deserves to govern SA,” she said.
“I will not be voting because I honestly don’t know whether the parties will deliver on their promises,” said Jessica.
Paula believes that although the youth vote can sway the election, many of the youngsters believe that nothing will change.
“I did not register to vote in the upcoming elections because I feel that it is going to be a waste of time,” she said.
“So many things are said and promised but nothing is delivered. I believe that nothing is going to change under a new government.”
Both the learners said they felt discouraged to vote for minority parties even though they might reflect their personal values due to minority parties never having a voice.
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