On March 10 and 11, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) had called on South Africans to register to vote or update their credentials at their nearest station, as the registration drive kicks off.
Most stations experienced longer queues on the last day of registrations as most alleged that Saturdays are their busiest days. In Pimville and Klipsruit, Emshukantambo Secondary School, Thaba Jabula Secondary School, Batsogile Primary School and Welizibuko Primary School were among the centres that were reserved for this process.
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The process of going into a polling station and ticking a box next to your chosen party may feel quite alien, even daunting, and for some, it is exciting. We spoke to some of the first-time voters who went to register to vote at Welizibuko Primary School.
“I am keeping my options open and observing the political scene before deciding who deserves my vote in the coming general election. But in a nutshell, I am so excited I cannot wait to experience it. And I will vote for the one who is youth orientated,” said Nonhlanhla Nthoba (22).
“I am so excited and I hope that things change after these coming general elections. I will vote for economic stability and those who care about our environment,” said Karabo Mosupi (20).
“I believe voting is fundamentally important, politics affects us all every single day and by voting, our voice can be heard. It gives me the joy to know that I will take part in defining the future of South Africa and I will be voting for free and quality education for all. I will also be voting for someone who works for the welfare of the people,” said Neo Lungile (20).
Ahead of this general election, the 18 to 24 age group seems to have become much more of a target with party policies and politics have become a common topic of conversation among young people in South Africa and one which they talk about openly.
