‘Humbled to be voting’
Young people should not take their democratic right of voting for granted.
Residents stood in queues on Election Day at Orlando Communal Hall waiting to cast their votes for the 5th democratic elections.
Many seemed excited and said that they were impressed with how everything seemed to be running smoothly.
Eighty year old Maria Hlatshwayo and Esta Sibisi said that it feels like it is their first time voting.
“For years we were not allowed to vote so every time I vote I feel so happy. Many before me did not get this opportunity to vote so I am so humbled to have this opportunity,” said Hlatshwayo.
She also said that she hopes that young people know the sacrifices that were made for them to have the privilege to vote.
“I have been hearing my grandchildren saying that they won’t vote as they don’t see a reason why they should vote. I always tell them that they are privileged to have the opportunity to be able to choose their own government. For many years us black people had no choice, let us not take this right for granted,” said Hlatshwayo.
Hlatshwayo and Sibisi did not have to stand in the long queues as the elderly and the disabled were escorted to the front of the line.
