As the youth, we are prepared to vote

My reason for not registering to vote is based on the belief of many of my peers that young people mean nothing to the politicians except to keep them in Parliament. The promises made by the government to young people are not materialising and are empty promises from those who govern the country.

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I urge politicians to take a walk-about in the townships and see for themselves just how young people are suffering. The lack of unemployment has turned many of us into reluctant criminals as we have to beg, borrow and even steal to survive. What is even sadder is once you are caught by the police and charged with a crime, your life automatically comes to a standstill and your prospects of ever working again are taken away.

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I think it is time the government stops treating young people in this country as collateral damage of the unjust social system. The anger of the youth is simmering and the authorities need to take note of this and defuse the situation as soon as possible.

It is not good for any country to have so many of its young people lingering in limbo without any prospects of hope for their future. Many young people want to participate in the activities of their country, but the politicians are making this almost impossible to achieve.

Gemima Buthelezi