Learners at Progress Comprehensive High School to make their mark for the first time
According to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), just fewer than 200,000 registered voters are between the ages of 18 and 19.
As we approach Wednesday, May 8, the hype around Provincial and national elections increases. For many of South Africans who have registered to vote it will be the first time that they’ll be casting their vote at the polls.
Pimville reporter visited one the local schools, Progress Comprehensive High School to interview learners who have registered to vote. According to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), just fewer than 200,000 registered voters are between the ages of 18 and 19.
According to Kutlwano Maluleke, a Grade 12 learner at Progress Comprehensive High, being in high school and being able to vote at her age is the best thing that has ever happened to her as most people missed the chance to vote when they were her age.
“This is like an honour, I used to fantasise about the process and now, I am here, going to vote for the very first time, I always wanted to be a part of this. I am really excited and the post the elections I hope to see change, especially in the education system,” Maluleke said.
Another Grade 12 learner from the same school, Orinea Nevari said that he was very happy to be part of the young people who will be voting for change.
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“I am very excited, because I will now get the opportunity to exercise my right to choose the party of my choice. My advice to fellow youth is that they should consider voting because this is one way you are going to have a say as a citizen,” Nevari said.
Perseverance Mkansi said that although it is her first time, it doesn’t feel new to her because her uncles always encouraged them to vote and would always give them the idea of how it feels like to vote.
“Post the elections I would really like to see the issue of housing being resolved in the country,” said Mkansi.
Eric Tshabalala who is a teacher at the school said that he believes it is important for young people to vote so that they can respect other people’s views, and once they have the responsibility of voting, they must also know what benefits voting bring.
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