Young people want to effect change through their votes
First time voters will get a chance to have their voices heard come this year’s Municipal Elections.
Ntombifuthi Langa is turning 30 years this year and she will vote for the first time. On Sunday morning, Langa registered to vote for the first time at Nancefield Hostel where she stays.
“I’ve never voted in my life before because I didn’t have an ID.
“Today I’m happy to have been registered to vote for the first time. I will now be able to make a positive contribution to this democracy,” said Langa.
The voter registration weekend was like the first day of school for many young people who will be voting for the first time come Municipal Elections later this year.
It was filled with joy and excitement for the youngsters who will now have a say in the country’s democracy.
For 22-year-old Lindokuhle Cebekhulu, it goes beyond having a say in the country’s democracy.
“I will be voting for the first time this year because I want to get a job.
“I hope my vote will work for me and other unemployed young people,” said Cebekhulu who stays at Nancefield Hostel.
Dumsile Dladla shared the same sentiment with Cebekhulu. She said, “It is important for us as young people to vote so that we can effect change and get jobs.”
The 25-year-old will be voting for the first time this year because she missed a chance to register for the 2014 general elections.
Tumelo Moatshe hopes that his vote this year will help change Kliptown. The 19-year-old from the oldest and most impoverished township in the country registered to vote for the first time on Saturday.
“I will be voting for the first time this year and I want to vote for a political party which cares for the people. I want a party which will change Kliptown by improving living conditions,” said Moatshe.
No incidents were reported in Kliptown, Pimville and Nancefield Hostel. All voting stations were open on time with one in Nancefield opening 30 minutes before time to help speed up the process.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said registration will be continuing at its offices until election time.
