Young people understand their voting power

As South Africans go to the polling stations today, several youngsters shared their views on the importance of being involved in the elections. With some youngsters questioning the power of their vote, most of them came to the conclusion that it is of the utmost importance that the youth be involved in the upcoming elections. Photledi Maelane, a 23-year-old student at CTI Campus in Bedfordview, believes it is important to vote because all citizens’ day-to-day activities are affected by the people in power. “Government’s actions affect our everyday lives. The policies put out by the people we vote into power have a bearing on everyday living. It is the democratic system and we as the youth are supposed to be engaged and taking part in the elections,” said Photledi. Omphile Makiri, a 25-year-old graduate, said it is important for the youth to vote because of the history of the country. “It is hard for anyone to see any truth in the concept of a democracy and the idea of a power of the people. Such has gradually become the case among the citizens of South Africa and this is especially so since it seems the current ruling party is said to be doing a lot of wrong with little being done about these wrongs,” said Omphile. “As such, one can be easily discouraged as far as participating in the act of voting, for it seems as though one’s efforts are bound to be in vain. Nevertheless, for all citizens of South Africa, the right to vote is one that has been hard fought for by many who have come before us. It is important to pay respect to those who fought for this right by participating in the elections. It is important to pay homage and show gratitude by voting. I believe that by voting we are using only one of the many ways to honour those who have given their lives for such rights and privileges. Rights and privileges they died to have,” said Mr Makiri.

It is 23-year-old Tumisang Mabudusha’s opinion that by voting, the youth will send a message to politicians that young people also care about the direction the country is headed. “By voting, the youth will become a more important factor to elected officials. Not only does it benefit the country for the youth to be politically involved, it also brings the youth together,” said Tumisang. “The youth of the previous generation was well aware of their politics and that is why they stood together for one ideology. It is important to have an effective youth, rather than a complacent youth that thinks they don’t have the power to change their situation” said Ms Mabudusha. 24-year-old Tshepo Pooe highlighted that voting gives citizens a sense of fulfilment, as it gives everybody a say in the direction of the country. “Many South Africans feel it is no use voting as the results always end up being the same, but I feel that if you vote, yes results are the same but the ruling party will definitely know that people aren’t happy with them as other parties have votes. This for me will, as time passes and votes between parties are tight, influence them to change their approach in doing things,” said Tshepo. @BedfordJourno