Necolin Naidoo (Thomas More College): We are part of the born-frees and this is the first chance that we can have our voices heard in the running of the country. Your vote is your voice and if you fail to use it, you can't really complain about what is going on around you.
A large portion of South Africa’s youth will be expressing their democratic right by casting their vote for the first time on Wednesday, 8 May.
The Highway Mail spoke to a few learners from local high schools to find out why they felt it was important to make their mark.
Julia Varty (St Mary’s DSG, Kloof): Voting is important because we as the youth, are the future of the country and our future is important to us. We need to change it to better ourselves as well as our country. We are patriotic towards our country and, to bring about positive change, we need to use that voice.
Tarryn Fripp (St Mary’s DSG, Kloof): Since we have reached the legal age to vote, we now finally have our freedom of speech and can join everyone else and take a stand to make the country better.
Olivia Thring (Curro Hillcrest): We have grown up hearing our parents’ point of view and this is the first time we can develop our own opinion. When you do realise the importance of voting and that every vote counts if we do our small bit. If everyone does their part, then we can help move the country forward.
Micah Moritz (Curro Hillcrest): I feel that as a first time voter, my mark will have a positive impact and change the future of South Africa.
Ricardo Martins (Curro Hillcrest): I think the different parties are quite close together at this point and it’s important to cast your vote as it will make a difference. It’s exciting to be contributing towards the future of South Africa.
Zoleka Mnyalithi (Curro Hillcrest): The youth is told that we need to make the change and we are the future. I take this to heart and I want to be part of that change. One vote does count in the long run and it will be great to say that I was part of that change.
Sinead Smith (Thomas More College): I think it’s important as we are in a phase of transition within the political system this year. If we look at how the tension has built up, year upon year, upon year, this is the chance to make the change. By making a mark now, you will impact your future. It is one of the most important decisions of democracy where you have your say on who you want the future government to be, how you want your future to be and how you want the world to be that you live in.
Daniel Barrett (Thomas More College): For years we have been seeing both the good and bad things in our country, and through voting we will have our say and add our own effects on what is being done and help improve the country.
Necolin Naidoo (Thomas More College): We are part of the born-frees and this is the first chance that we can have our voices heard in the running of the country. Your vote is your voice and if you fail to use it, you can’t really complain about what is going on around you.
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