Youth has lost faith in Government ahead of elections

The overwhelming majority of young people in Soweto feel discouraged to vote and have little to no faith in the Government. That was the indication from a poll conducted by Soweto Urban among some of Pimville’s younger residents. Out of the ten young people (aged 18 to 30) interviewed.

An alarming seven of them said they felt voting was pointless. “Even if we do, the next person we vote for is ready to be corrupt. We have parents who have been voting for years but we hardly see any improvements. Especially here in Pimville where even now electricity is still an issue. We have gone days without power and we are supposed to be optimistic?” asked 22-year-old Palesa Motswai.

‘Days without power’ is putting it mildly, especially when considering that Pimville Zone 7, known as Sun Valley has been without electricity for over a year. Earlier this month, Zone 7 residents boycotted voting registrations and blocked the entrance to the voting station in Ward 22, stating that they would not register until their electricity issue is resolved. Two weeks before Election Day and residents still, stand by their stance.

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Last week, new City Mayor Mpho Moerane and a City Power acting CEO and Gauteng Premier, David Makhura visited Sun Valley to announce that City Power would very likely take over the township’s electricity supply in an effort to remedy the situation. Still, very few were left impressed.

“Well, things like that are normal during election time. We have to wait and see if they keep their promise. It is two weeks before Election Day and we still have not had power for over a year. Honestly, I am not expecting much and it would not surprise me to find out it was another false promise,” added Thandokuhle Kubheka.

For Pimville residents and Soweto Parliament President, Nhlanhla Lux, this trend is far from coincidental.

“The youth is interested but not educated enough around voting and how the country is supposed to run. Why? because there is a deliberate and intentional system put in place to make sure that the youth does not have the platform to exercise leadership,” he told SABC News earlier this week.

Lux also warned that the youth should be careful not to fall into the trap of believing that voting is useless, but should instead unite, educate one another and take over government positions.