#IMadeMyMark: Youngsters weigh in on youth’s apathy to vote

By Keitumetse Komana

For many South Africans, especially the youth, voting in the 2019 elections has been a bone of contention.

According to the IEC, the biggest category of voters are those aged between 30 and 39 years old, and they represent 24.99 per cent of the voters’ roll.

Learners from Jeppe High School for Girls gave the NEWS insight into why they believe that those eligible to vote for the first time are not leading the voters’ roll.

Also read: #IMadeMyMark: WATCH: ‘Why I’m voting’ featuring Edenvale High School learners

Matric learners Lindokuhle Mhlanga and Laurah Meki, who are both eligible to vote, said they will not vote as they believe their votes will not change anything.

“None of the candidates are fit to govern. Since the first general elections in 1994, many promises have been made, but only a few have been kept,” said Lindokuhle.

“There are still children who are taught under the trees. Some do not attend school at all. There are many illiterate adults and yet it is stated in our Constitution that everyone has the right to basic education, including adult basic education.”

Lindokuhle believes that casting her vote will not make South Africa any better.

“The only way to make it better is if more opportunities are created.”

Also read: #IMadeMyMark: Granny (101) excited to vote on May 8

Laurah is confident that more youngsters will vote when there are more young people in parliament.

“I feel that most of the time decisions are made on our behalf. Our voices are not heard,” said Laurah.

“The political sphere in SA is confusing. People in the same parties are constantly at each other’s throats. Everyone wants to tell us what the other party is not doing instead of telling us what they are doing to right those wrongs,’ said Laurah.

Eighteen-year-old Kirsten Dickinson, who will be voting for the first time, said many of the youth would rather not vote at all, as opposed to voting for minority parties.

“The fact that we have many parties does not mean there are a lot of alternatives,” said Kirsten.

“It seems like everyone is highly prepared to talk and implement policies, but none of the parties are doing enough. As the youth, it makes it even more difficult to even consider voting for minority parties.”

Kirsten said the legacies of apartheid were still visible as other parties do not cater for every race.

First-time voter Sherelle Ferreira said she familiarised herself with the various party manifestos before she decided to vote.

She said minority parties are hardly ever given a voice to share with citizens what they can do for the country.

Also read: #IMadeMyMark: What you need to know about special votes

“It is only during election time, when different parties are campaigning, that we become aware that there are a lot of parties to choose from.

“Another problem is that the parties are only active when elections are approaching,” said Sherelle.