By Puisano News Reporter
As millions of South Africans cast their votes on the 29th May many did so with mixed expectations while some did so with despair but still hopeful. Not only for those who made it to the polls but also for those who are pinning their hopes on the government that will bring changes and improve their living conditions, particularly the youth.
So it was with three young friends from Phase 5 in Zamdela. Moeketsi Ntsoeleng (25), Karabo Sithole (19) and Zwelakhe Tsime(16) from Phase 5 in Zamdela , walked into voting stations on that day with mixed expectations.
Moeketsi, a second time voter and a student at Flavious Mareka TVET College, cast his ballot with expectations of change. “I voted because I want to see changes, we have challenges within our community of sewage spilling all over, unstable electricity supply, unemployment and crime,” he said.
The main concern for Moeketsi, who also runs a carwash business, is high levels of unemployment among the youth. “We go to schools, finish our courses then come back to stay home. There is no work for us. I own a carwash to try and make some money but there is no support at all. I hope my vote will bring some changes where I live,” he added.
For Karabo, the 29th of May was an unfortunate day for him as he could not make it to the polling station. His identity document only arrived two days before the voting day. Despite making an application for the document as early as he could, he only received the message to collect the identity document two days before the elections, thus he could not vote as he had failed to register for voting. He was looking forward to cast his first ballot.
“I applied for my identity document as early as possible to make sure that I will be casting my vote, but it didn’t happen. I would have voted for change and for better life for us. We have problems with many issues where we are staying, so I would have loved to vote for the first time,” he said.
Age restriction was a barrier for Zwelakhe. He cannot wait for the next elections to cast his first vote. “I will vote for better future for us youth and students. There are many challenges facing young people. We hear of students struggling with Nefsas funds and also unemployment. Even where we live we have many problems such as electricity, sewage spilling all over, crime and many other challenges,” he said.
