LAVANYA NAICKER: If one person can make a change, why not do it? I'm excited to do something that will change the country for the better. You can't complain if you don't do something to make a change.
Many young South Africans will vote for the first time in the upcoming elections.
As part of Rosebank Killarney Gazette’s #IMadeMyMark initiative, we approached Parktown High School for Girls matric learners who have registered to vote, to discuss why they believe it is important to vote. This is what they had to say …
AMMAARA AHMED: I’m excited to get involved in the political space. We learn so much about the importance of democracy in school, but only fully understand the extent of its importance once we exercise the right to vote. We see our parents and the older generation complain about the government. As the youth, it’s important to change the mentality of sitting on the fence, since it’s an outdated mentality.
REABETSOE RATUNE: I am excited but also nervous to vote. I’m excited because I finally get a say in who runs the country, but I’m also nervous because I could make the wrong decision. We must vote for people who make our country a better place and not run it down. We need to vote to have some control over how our future will turn out.
ROBYN-LEIGH OLIVER: I’m excited to vote because it gives our generation a say in who runs the country. If you don’t vote, you don’t have a right to complain. My family is passionate about voting because one vote really makes a difference and changes where the country is going.
JENNIFER MCCABE: I’m excited to have a say that’s completely my own and not influenced by other people. Sometimes people have so much to say but then they don’t vote. You need to vote and have your say to make a difference.
