Safety first for debut uMhlanga voter
The young uMhlanga resident hopes that her vote will bring about change in safety and security as well as in the economy, providing more job opportunities for young people.
A FIRST-TIME voter, Cheyenne Gooderson, is hoping her vote will make South Africa a safer country for all, especially women and children.
The 21-year-old uMhlanga resident said registering to vote was a quick and simple procedure which she did online when voter registration opened.
“I’m pleased that the Independent Electoral Commission has an efficient website as this made the registration process fun and easy. My grandfather wanted to check where his voting station was, which we also did online by using his ID number. I was impressed,” she said.
Gooderson will be voting at Harvest Church and is hoping that her vote will bring about change, especially in terms of safety and security. She also hopes that the economy will be strengthened and that young people will have more job opportunities.
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“Working in real estate, I can see how the property market is crashing. People are scared to invest because the cost of living is on the rise and interest rates fluctuate drastically and unpredictably. Overall, it is difficult to survive financially in South Africa, but I am hoping this election will bring a positive change for our country,” she said.
She also feels that more visible policing is needed and for SAPS to be proactive rather than reactive.
“We also need more programmes so that citizens and SAPS can work together to try and curb crime and so that citizens have the confidence to go to a police station to report a crime, knowing they will act,” she said.
“Almost everyone my age talks about moving overseas or going to work on a [luxury] yacht, but I don’t want to do that. The grass is not always greener on the other side, and at some point, you start to miss home and may want to come back home,” added Gooderson.
Gooderson said that what made her feel really eager casting her vote on May 29 is that South Africa is celebrating 30 years of democracy.
“What a milestone for our country. Most people my age don’t know that struggle and what it took for our country to get to this point. Some young people also don’t realise just how important it is to vote. Even if you don’t plan on staying in the country, voting is still important for the family you’re leaving behind, and maybe, you will come back one day,” she said.
“Remember, you don’t have the right to complain if you don’t vote,” said the first-time voter
Gooderson added that she will be waiting to see the results on TV at the end of the day. She hopes that if any political coalitions are formed, they will be positive ones for the betterment of South Africa.
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