Making their mark with Benoni in their hearts #IMadeMyMark

Former Benonian Danielle Thaysen may have moved abroad, but she still loves South Africa very much, visits often and has family who reside here; therefore, she chose to cast her special vote on April 27.

“I currently live in Seoul, South Korea,” said the former Northmead resident.

“For a long time I had the urge to live and work abroad, albeit temporarily.

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“After completing my studies and then my two years as an articled clerk (in law), I finally felt that this is it – it’s now or never.

“Travelling and living abroad by myself has been one the most exhilarating, fulfilling experiences of my life. South Korea offers many job opportunities for foreigners and it is a wonderfully central location to travel from for relatively cheap.

“Also, the service delivery is extremely efficient, which makes life a whole lot more convenient, cost-and-time effective.”

Voting in South Africa takes place on May 8 and Thaysen encourages everyone who can vote to vote so they can proudly say #IMadeMyMark.

“Voting gives us the impression that we have a choice in electing the future leadership of our country,” she explained.

“Many South Africans, including myself, are very proud of our country and there is a burning hope for a brighter future.”

According to Thaysen, South Africa has a multi-party political system, which means there are 400 seats in Parliament with multiple political parties able to fill the seats in proportion to the number of votes they receive.

“Each vote towards a particular party will count towards a seat in Parliament and may prevent a single party from achieving a majority of the seats in Parliament,” she said.

“For example, 75 per cent or 300 seats mean that party would be able to change the constitution in its favour.

“Such an event could potentially be catastrophic to our hard-won human rights.”

This is the first time she had cast a special vote, however, she has voted in South Africa before.

“I felt like I did the right thing, even though I am in Korea, it is still my duty to vote,” she added.

Thaysen said she is voting for accountability and transparency in the political leadership.

“For example, former South Korean president Park Geun-hye was recently sentenced to 25 years in prison after being impeached and ousted on charges of corruption and abuse of power and Lee Myung-bak, president from 2008 to 2013, is currently serving 15 years in jail for bribery and embezzlement,” she said.

“Perhaps our politicians and leaders would think twice if they knew they were not untouchable.

“I am sure the South Africans who up and leave are hoping circumstances improve for the better so they can return home.”

Benoni is home to Thaysen, who was born and bred here.

“I attended Arbor Primary School and then later Benoni High School,” she said.

“I am very grateful for my education and the family and close community I grew up in – even at university I managed to make more friends from Benoni who I had never met in my whole life while living in Benoni.”

Thaysen’s grandmother, Celeste Da Silva Geral, parents, Angelique Da Silva Geral and Timothy Wyndham Thaysen, and siblings, Carmelicia Thaysen and Timothy James Thaysen, still reside in Benoni.

“My youngest sister, Olyvia Thaysen, lives in America, but she is returning to Benoni at the end of the year to attend the University of Pretoria,” she said.

“If you can vote, you should do so,” she concluded.

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