#IMadeMyMark: Edenvale youth speak out about Elections 2019
"Learners my age shouldn't have to worry about leaving the country they love."
Out of 54 matric learners (two classes) at Edenvale High School who are eligible to vote on the May 8 election day, 47 learners have not registered to vote.
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The numbers do not reflect the total number of matric learners at the school and those who took part were all 18 years and older.
The NEWS caught up with some of these learners who talked about their excitement to vote for the first time. Others shared their reasons for not voting.
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Luka Mihajlovic said it was his duty as a South African citizen to vote as he believes in a successful future for himself in South Africa.
“Learners my age shouldn’t have to worry about leaving the country they love. SA is a beautiful country with amazing people. It has many opportunities that need to be preserved for ourselves and future generations.”
“I will vote because I believe our country has potential and needs proper leadership to reach its fullest potential,” said Dylan Tjabring.
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For Dylan, the media has played a role in influencing his decision to vote.
David Adams will also make his mark for the first time and believes voting gives the public a chance to influence the political and economic freedom in the country.
Jessica Mpofu and Paula Nkosi do not share their fellow learners’ sentiments.
Jessica said she doesn’t believe any of the parties will deliver on their promises.
Also read: A FREE AND FAIR ELECTION
“With so much corruption in the country, you never know which party deserves to govern SA.
“I will not be voting because I honestly don’t know whether the parties will deliver on their promises,” said Jessica.
Paula believes that although the youth’s vote can sway the election, many of the youngsters believe nothing will change.
“I did not register to vote in the upcoming elections because I feel it is going to be a waste of time,” she said.
“So many things are said and promised, but nothing is delivered. I believe nothing is going to change under a new government.”
Both the learners said they felt discouraged to vote for minority parties even though they might reflect their personal values due to minority parties never having a voice.
