TWO Upper Highway first-time voters share insights of their expectations as they will be making their mark at the voting polls on May 29. This day marks the Elections of 2024, and Caitlin Jones and Onkguputse Mavundla are part of the millions who are registered to vote. They shared with the Highway Mail what their expectations are and what they understand about the voting process.
Also read: Elections 2024: First-time voter ready to make his mark
Caitlin Jones is an 18-year-old Hillcrest High School learner and Waterfall resident who is set to make her mark at the Waterfall Library on May 29. Though she has not decided which party/parties to vote for, this did not deter her from registering.
“My dad sent me the online link to register. I need to educate myself before I choose which party I will be voting for, but I am happy that I get to help make a decision about our country’s future leaders. I understand that, in South Africa, we operate as a democracy and that politics should be unbiased. Ultimately, everyone should get to share their opinion, and the outcome is based on the majority vote,” she said.
Jones said she is looking to vote for a party that is fair and honest – “Especially to the voting public, and one that will do what they promise they will do,” she said.
Also read: What you need to know about special votes this Election Day
Onkguputse Mavundla said that what prompted him to register to vote is a desire for his voice to be heard and as a celebration of 30 years of democracy.
“There are a lot of people who aren’t taking the opportunity to be heard. This election is also a big milestone – we are celebrating 30 years of democracy. I understand that, currently, we are in a volatile situation in our country. We have a lot of political party coalitions, and that is an issue – especially in the mega metros. There is an ongoing power struggle which does not benefit anyone.
“I believe that many politicians try to get the highest job they can. We need to be employing or placing people who are qualified and know how to fix the problems,” he said.
Mavundla said he has decided on the party that he will be voting for.
“They align perfectly with what I want as a South African citizen. They speak about self-reliance and how we could be better. They believe that we have the resources, but we don’t have the right people in positions of power to go forward,” he said.
Also read: Elections 2024: 3 things you may not know about the 2024 general elections
According to The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), since the voters’ roll was compiled for the first time ahead of the 1999 National and Provincial Elections, it has shown a steady growth of over 35% and contains the highest number of registered voters, recording an increase of 9.6 million voters since the 1999 general elections.
Voting stations will be open from 07:00 to 20:00 on May 29 across the country.
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