DURBAN - FIRST-TIME voters casting their ballots in the 2021 local government elections have called for change, saying they are tired of the current government failing to create employment opportunities.
Esethu Shicila, 19, a first-time voter and second-year business analysis student at the Durban University of Technology, said he chose to vote for a different party because he wanted to see change.
“There is too much corruption in the governing party, which diminishes change to people’s lives, as a huge chunk of money is lost to corruption. We have too many unemployed graduates; maybe a different political party would be able to change things.
“In rural areas there are no bridges and tar roads. In towns, some buildings are dilapidated and need to be renewed – something that might create some form of employment, if the infrastructure is being rolled out,” said Shicila, who cast his ballot at the Durban City Hall.
Asanda Ntuli, 19, said everything was “upside down” in the country due to Covid-19, as well as the looting and other factors, but she had hopes that everything was going to be all right.
“Voting is non-negotiable. We need every citizen’s vote if we are to see the change we desire,” said Ntuli, a second-year music student.
She is active in politics, leading gender and social welfare under the EFF at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Howard College.
“I want to be in Parliament. Not just as an MP, but as a young black female president of South Africa,” said Ntuli, who also cast her ballot at the Durban City Hall.
Maseeha Mahomedy, 21, stood in the queue, waiting to cast her ballot for the very first time at Westville’s Truro Hall.
“I’m passionate about politics. There needs to be change in how we are being governed, especially after the violent unrest and the looting.”
She hoped for a government that listened to what the citizens want. “I’d like to encourage other young people to be the change they want to see.”
She said the area (Westville) could do more in terms of crime reduction.
At her voting station, the queue was not very long and moved quickly. Physical distancing was followed and hand sanitising done at the entrance. Two police officers stood guard. Those in the queue appeared impressed with the smooth voting process.
Daily News