Mandisa Nkosi (24) cast her votes for the first time during the 2021 local government elections on Monday. Nkosi expressed her excitement as she marked her votes at John Mdluli Primary School voting station.

“This is my first time voting. I feel very excited because I didn’t participate in the previous elections as I was not sure which political party I wanted to support and vote for,” she said.”This year, 2021, I was prepared and ready to make my voice heard through the secret ballots. All I wanted was to vote for the right democratic party. I fully understand my rights as a citizen of South Africa,” Nkosi continued.

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She said she expects to see more young people empowered after the elections.”My expectations are to see more young people in leadership positions. The parliament needs to have more young people, I expect that the government I voted for will create much-needed jobs for the youth.” She further pointed out that service delivery must change within her community.

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“I would like to see change in terms of service delivery. Mataffin is still struggling with water and the roads are not in a good condition. If there is money budgeted for fixing potholes, I believe it must be instead used for rebuilding new, better roads. I hope that our new elected political leaders will stop corruption and create job opportunities for the youth,” she said.