First-time Duncan Village voters Ethandwa Xuza, 20, Lihlumelo Mampunye,19, and Sandile Putuma,19, spent Wednesday afternoon hoping they would make a difference to their futures as they cast their votes.
Xuza, who voted at the Gompo Welfare Centre, said she hoped their votes would mean change, especially for young people who needed jobs.
“Whoever governs the country after the elections should scrap the age limit of 35 for those who are seeking employment.
“I hope corruption will end, as there are well-educated and talented people who should be granted an opportunity to showcase their skills by being employed.”
Xuza was accompanied by her mother, who has voted since 1994.
“Casting my vote today is not the same as it was 30 years ago, when one was eager to exercise one’s democratic rights,” Xuza’s mother, who asked not to be named, said.
Soft-spoken Mampunye,19, who also voted in Gompo, said she was grateful to be granted an opportunity to cast her vote.
“I am hopeful about who will govern the country, and I believe we young people can make a major difference in changing what our parents have been struggling and fighting for.
“I believe it is our time as the youth to lead and make major changes.
“We are more innovative and enthusiastic about change in our country.”
Putuma, who voted at Kusile High School, said: “Voting comes with a huge responsibility, because the choice we make determines what will happen in the future.”
Putuma hoped Duncan Village’s crime rate would decrease, as the youth were affected by it.
“Young people involve themselves in criminal activities, because they see it as an easy way to make a living due to rife unemployment.
“Some young people have no hope and have decided not to vote because of the poor conditions they live under.”
DispatchLIVE
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