Daniel, a true born-free
NORSCOT- Meet Daniel Teles, a born-free: born on the dawn of democracy in South Africa.
On 27 April 1994 little Daniel first opened his eyes on the day South Africa held its first free, non-racial and democratic election.
On 7 May 2014 Teles, a second year electrical engineering student at University of Pretoria, had the first opportunity in his lifetime to also cast his ballot.
“Sharing the same date of birth and public holiday [27 April], I have grown up with stories of the first democratic election and always looked forward to the day that I too could cast my vote and share and experience being part of our democracy.”
He said he never needed any encouragement to register and vote this year, and even had a tinge of anticipation for the first time he would allowed to cast his vote.
“Even standing in an over two-hour queue at Norscot Manor did not deter me. I met and spoke to many other people there, all eager to vote,” he said.
And a surge of patriotism rushed through his veins on the day.
“As part of the future of our country, I feel it is important to make my mark as I want to have a say in that future. I want my voice to be heard, to make a difference now so that I can contribute to achieving the South Africa that Nelson Mandela and many others fought for. I want to help realise his vision of the Rainbow Nation.”
Teles is quick to point out that the country is better off, since he was born 20 years ago.
“But I believe that we are nowhere near what Madiba had dreamed of. I want to help elect a leader who emulates Madiba, leads by example and is prepared to make sacrifices – someone we South Africans can look up to and admire.”
In another 20 years in the 2034 general election, Teles would like to see a nation of people, living in harmony, embracing their diversity and stronger for it.
“I would like to see less crime, a lot less crime. I would like corruption to be a thing of the past. I would like the standard of schools and education, throughout South Africa to be higher, with all students having access to text books, computers and the technology required, to equip them to enter the job market. I would like to see a thriving economy, less poverty, plenty of job opportunities. A reliable and profitable Eskom would also greatly contribute to lighting up our future,” he said.
