WITH the voters’ roll surpassing 29 million, a large focus has been about getting first-time voters actively involved in shaping our democracy.

This is true for Durban North resident Lyla Appasamy, who on November 4 will cast her first vote ever in the LGE.

For Appasamy, there are a number of issues she hopes her vote will address, including unemployment, a reduction in crime and a people-centred social support for the homeless.

“Safety and reducing crime are very important to me. I believe everyone should feel safe in their own community and be able to go about their daily lives without constantly worrying about crime. I also want to see our community kept in an excellent condition. This includes clean streets, properly maintained public spaces and reliable basic services. I think when a community is looked after, it creates a safer and more positive environment for everyone.

“I think homelessness is an issue that needs to be dealt with in a caring and practical way. I would like to see more places where people who are homeless can access shelter, food and support, rather than simply being moved from one area to another. I think people should be given opportunities to get back on their feet and improve their circumstances. Employment is another big issue for me, especially as a young person. I believe there should be more employment opportunities for people of all skill levels, as well as access to education and skills-based training,” she said.

The 18-year-old added that when considering who to vote for, not only does she like party manifestos, but she also looks at their policies.

“I would also look at what parties have actually done and whether they have kept the promises they have made. Since this is my first time voting, I think it is important for me to do my own research, understand what each party stands for and think about which issues are important to me and my community,” she said.

In the last voter registration weekend, held in August, more than 480 000 of 1.7 million registrations were from the youth category.

Appasamy urged her peers who are registered to use their constitutional rights to be a part of decision-making that affects their lives and their future.

“I think voting is important because it gives us a voice and allows us to have a say in the future of our country and our communities. This is my first time voting, so it feels especially important to me. I think young people should use their opportunity to vote because the decisions being made today will affect our future. It is also important to hold the people we elect accountable for the promises they make,” she said.

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