#IMadeMyMark: Impie caretaker first in line to vote (video)
“It was amazing to vote for the first time in 1994, and I’ve never missed a voting day since,” the Polokwane-born resident told Express proudly
Thousands of Kempton Park residents gathered at voting stations on May 8 to make their mark in this year’s general election.
One station abuzz with people was the one at Laerskool Impala on Van Riebeeck Road, where this school’s caretaker Samuel Mothupi (64) was one of the first to draw his cross.
“It was amazing to vote for the first time in 1994, and I’ve never missed a voting day since,” the Polokwane-born resident told Express proudly. He lives on the school grounds and was therefore first in line to cast his vote on Election Day.
Mothupi is somewhat of a celebrity at the primary school, having worked there since 1978. “I love this school. Without it, I might’ve been dead because I don’t know what would have happened to me.”
The father-of-two and grandfather of four said the school children always brighten his day. “They always say ‘hello Samuel,’ which is nice. I also help to take care of children at the Wag ’n Bietjie (wait a while) after-school centre.”
Mothupi insists that all residents, especially youngsters, must vote. “You have to vote for the good of your country. We need young people to vote for their future.”
