25 years after our first democratic elections, Rejani de Bruin and James Vorster, both 18 are ready to queue up and make their mark.

And both are sharing the same sentiment.

Your vote counts.

“I am very excited. Even if its only one vote, it is that one vote that can secure a possible change. Your vote can make or break the election results.” Rejani explained to LETABA HERALD.

According to her its every South African resident’s right to vote.

“It is a privilege to go and make your mark. If people want to moan and groan after the elections, then you do not have a foot to stand on if you are unhappy about certain things. If you want to see change, then you need to vote,” this first-time-voter said.

And yes, she definitely would like to see some change, according to her.

To De Bruin, South Africa is perfect, but she would like to see that citizens are more tolerant towards each other.

“Corruption, murder and crime also needs urgent attention,” she explained her concerns.

But nevertheless, she is extremely excited and think that this is the best thing that can happen as a new voter. Her vote would now be counted as well.

De Bruin knows the political parties that will compete during this years election and she did her homework well.
“There are so many different parties but I familiarised myself with all of them. I already made my choice and I know which political party will get my vote,” she explains.

For James Vorster the excitement to vote for the first time started when he registered earlier this year.

“I felt in the past that, just because I am young I was just a number in South Africa without a voice. But the bigger picture is getting clearer now. I can now have a say as well with my vote,” Vorster explained.

According to Vorster, just because he is another citizen that can now cast his vote, it makes him even more excited to know that his vote will now also be counted.

Vorster stated that it is your civil right to go and vote. “I want to urge all voters not to get intimidated by external factors that can influence your vote. Vote wise and make your own choice,” Vorster wisely said.

And Vorster is not afraid to vote today 8 May.

“I am not scared. I am really excited. I am really clued up with the political situation in our country and political parties,” he said.

Vorster’s mind is already set on the party he will vote for.  “I am not going to think twice if I have the ballot paper in front of me. To a certain extent, maybe everyone that will vote for the first time feels that they will waste their time in going to vote. It is not the case. People must go and vote,” he urges.

Vorster is excited because.

“It is my civil right and it is my first time to legally take part in the election.

Apart from the excitement, Rejani is a bit scared.

“I am scared that something might go wrong during the elections. Especially after the counting has been done. I am scared that the supporters of the winning party will not get what was promised.” she voiced her concerns.

Vorster’s only concern is that uneducated voters are busy getting bribed and brainwashed by certain political parties, just in order to win more seats in parliament.

What is a bit alarming, is that a lot of their friends did not register to vote this year.

“It is so sad, because this is their opportunity to cast their vote,” De Bruin said.

De Bruin and Vorster know exactly where their voting stations are and they are ready to #IMadeMyMark today.

Two more votes in the ballot box from two first time voters from Tzaneen!