POLOKWANE – Freedom Day is much more than just another day off or the reason for a long weekend for many, it is a commemoration of the South Africa’s first democratic elections.
Freedom Day marks the liberation of South Africa from the apartheid regime and was the first vote for many people of colour in the country.
However, a lot has changed since then and the Polokwane Observer ask residents if they think their vote still carries the same value as it did in 1994.
Kgothatso Sathekge – Votes do not carry the same value as in 1994. Votes in 1994 spoke about liberation, freedom and new hope. Those votes carried a lot of blood, tears and sweat while the votes of today speak about which leader should lead. Our leaders are living a soft life at expense of those who gave them power through their votes.Mogau Phasha – I don’t think votes carry the same value because back then, votes were used for democratic purposes. Votes ought to bring change in people’s lives but now our leaders promise people things to buy votes and they don’t deliver which is why people have stopped voting.
Kabelo Nkgabane – The value of votes has not changed because they still determine who to be in power, however, the perception of voters has devalued elections mainly because oppression has changed skin and language.Kgothatso Monono – Votes are now pointless. It’s value is derailed and forever deteriorating. Our political system is not balanced, therefore all that is done politically is without value. We are led by corrupt leaders who would do anything for situations to favor them.Mosima Ramaphakela – My vote is no longer the same as the one I cast in 1994. Back in 1994, we voted to free ourselves from apartheid, now things have taken a different turn. Looking at the creation of jobs and service delivery, our government is failing. There is no longer a need to vote. I personally think that it would even be better to bring back apartheid because then, as long as you had an ID book you would be given a chance to work.Boitumelo Mashabela – The youth of 1994 had a generational mission to fulfill, which was to emancipate people of South Africa from apartheid. The current generation has their own mission to dismantle systemic oppression and liberate themselves. Voting carries same weight and value, however the current generation betray their mission by not exercising their democratic right to vote.Tshegofatso Kgohloane – Unlike in 1994, people voted for change and change happened. Nowadays we see no reason why we should vote as we gain nothing from voting. Problems such as unemployment, poor infrastructure, corruption and poor education which people believed by voting would bring change, erupts daily. The youth, who should be voting for change, are growing increasingly frustrated with these issues and find no reason to vote.Nyehlane Madingoaneng- Votes no longer carry the same value. People are slowly losing hope with some already lost because there are people who have to be convinced to vote, unlike in 1994 where people decided that enough is enough and they believed their votes will make difference. Votes are now a way of making the lives of the minority better. Our current leadership have caused people to lose interest in voting as they are not keeping their promises. It somehow became useless for people to vote.For more breaking news follow us on FacebookTwitter Instagram or join our WhatsApp group
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