The Willowbrook Retirement Home residents are not sure what changes these elections will bring

Elderly Sandton residents from the Willowbrook Retirement Home expressed their concerns about the upcoming elections on 8 May.

The Sandton Chronicle asked residents to share their views on the elections to coincide with the #IMadeMyMark campaign which aims to give local residents a voice.

Estrella Ziman, a resident at the retirement home said, “The first time I voted I loved the fact that I had the opportunity to vote, I felt that there was a consciousness around being a democracy.

“My hope for these elections is that we get along as a nation as we did in 1994, but I am sure that is not going to happen.”

Ziman added that she believes that we are living in a time where young people do not understand the value of hard work. “I think it is because our children are being taught ideologies and philosophies and not hands-on work.”

Jeannette Fineberg, Zimans sister, said that when she voted for the first time she was aware that the elections in 1994 were a massive event, but never understood the reasons.

“Yes, we all voted but did we understand what voting was? I do not think so. We should place emphasis on this.”

She hopes that following the elections we will see the end of corruption.

Another resident, Connie Josetiowitz said, “I felt that 28 April 1994 was a happy day, I was excited to vote. I will definitely be voting and expect everyone who has registered to vote to make use of this privilege.”

She added that she feels that those who do not vote, should not have the right to complain about the ruling party.

Zonna Spafford was born in Zimbabwe and despite never having the opportunity to vote in South Africa said that she hopes that all South Africans will take the opportunity to vote in the upcoming elections. She added that she is content living in South Africa.