Spark Soweto gives scholars a voice

Spark Soweto in Protea Glen commemorated Freedom Day by hosting a scholar election day on April 26.

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The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) also took part in managing the scholar election and providing necessary material for voting.

The motive behind the elections was to bring awareness and understanding of how impactful it is to use your voice when it comes to voting. Learners were voting for three categories which were funky pants, funky jacket and funky shades.

According to Spark Soweto Principal, Nthambeleni Nyambeni, the elections will teach scholars social responsibility as well as give them an understanding of how impactful their voices are.

They will also have an understanding of how elections run and the importance of Freedom Day.

“I am very happy about this election because it raises awareness for kids to vote. We are at the time where young adults do not like to vote because they feel like their votes are no longer heard in the country therefore when we do such programmes for them at a young age, they realise that casting vote is important and their voices are heard in the end especially when their selection of choice wins,” said Nyambeni.

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All Scholars from grade R to seven were given an opportunity to vote. After voting they received pamphlet from the IEC in order to give them to their parents so as to help in terms of influencing parents to vote in 2024.

“Today I have learned that voting can make your voice be heard, and also that your vote is your secret no one must know that you have voted for a certain thing or person.

“From this election I have also learnt that we all have a right to vote and we should all have our opinions equally and fair,” said Spark Soweto learner, Lethukuthula Mazibuka.

Spark Soweto started having an election day in 2022, and the school aims to do the Election Day every year in order to celebrate Freedom Day in an educational and practical manner.

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“I want us to create a culture whereby we pride ourselves and our core values. Today I want our scholars to learn responsibility especially for their actions.

“So seeing them making a cross on the paper shows that they are practicing one of our core values which is responsible decision making,” said Spark Soweto Assistance Principal, Nomalungelo Machele.