Born-frees vote ‘No’
South Africa has one of the most powerful stories of a historic struggle – the struggle for freedom.
However, the number of young people registered to vote suggests that those born into a free South Africa may not be very interested in writing their own history.
The Independent Electoral Commission revealed that more than a million born-frees had not registered to vote, which equates to a third of those born after 1994 who will not make their mark on 7 May.
The numbers may reflect a youth that don’t consider it important to vote, however, ward councillors have encouraged those who have registered to cast their ballots.
Having entered politics and become a councillor at a young age, Ward 90 councillor Gordon Mckay said he knew the difference one vote could make and has encouraged all those 24 years and younger to vote.
“The 2014 election will be the most important since 1994,” he said. “As at present, no single party enjoys an outright majority in Gauteng. This means that this is anyone’s election. Voters are therefore strongly encouraged to participate in what will be a very lively election.”
Ward 87 councillor Amanda Forsythe said voting gave an opportunity to every South African to exercise their democratic right to choose a government that best represents their beliefs and values.
“No one should ever believe that their vote won’t make a difference, because every single one does,” she emphasised. Ward 117 councillor Tim Truluck said the truth was that each vote could make a huge difference to the roads you drive on, the efficiency of your police station and the level of care you get at a hospital.
“Your vote is a weapon in the battle for our cities, and provinces and country,” he said. “You need to wield it wisely and make each pen stroke count,” he said.
