Last weekend, new and veteran voters registered nationwide for the local government elections on 18 May. Around 600 000 visited voting stations across South Africa, 80% were people under the age of 30. Of the total, 40% were registering for the first time.
Last weekend, new and veteran voters registered nationwide for the local government elections on 18 May. Around 600 000 visited voting stations across South Africa, 80% were people under the age of 30. Of the total, 40% were registering for the first time.
Given criticism of and protests about service-delivery in Grahamstown, you'd think residents would have been out in their droves to register and make their feelings known come 18 May. But reporter Lauren vd Vyver and photographer Dianne Jordan discovered that many were so disillusioned that they couldn't even be bothered to vote. There were also those, however, who felt that voting gives one the power to speak up and be heard.
1. Angeline Pokbas
Sometimes voting is important. I did register and will vote in May. Voting does alot of things and will change a lot of things in my life, hopefully.
2. Pumeza Masingili – Unemployed
I'm not going to vote, because it's not worth it at all. I have no income at the moment and don't feel anything for the government. It is a waste of time and energy.
3. Simphiwe Jonas – Department of Health
Yes, I think voting is worth it. Within the government, things are happening. Service delivery issues are being dealt with. I think it's very important to have your say.
4. David Matiela – Unemployed
I think that voting is very important and worth doing. If you don't vote, you don't have a say in how the country is run.
5. Jacobus Britz – Contractor
Everyone has the right to vote and you need to express your opinions. So put your vote down and open your mouth.
6. David Hashe – Mailroom attendant
Voting is important because everyone has that opportunity for his or her country to get the government going in the right way.
7. Thandiwe Sam – Zakka shop
You don't see a difference after voting. I don't see progress. I always vote, but nothing good happens. I'll vote and keep trying, though.
8. Phumeza Nobebe – Checkers Deli
I'm voting, but sometimes voting isn't right. We vote but we don't have water, toilets or housing. We wanted RDP houses, and were promised, but we still don't have. We have gained nothing.
9. Roelof Van Der Berg – Retired Civil Engineer
Certainly voting is the right thing to do. If we complain and don't vote then we have no right to moan.
10. Thandiwe Mgqwanca – Car guard
Voting is worth it. I want a house and the government will make that happen for me.
11. Meg Hartzenberg – Retired Librarian
It is everyone's responsibility to vote. If you don't vote, you're giving up and not making the change in the country.
12. Simon Mitchell – Student
If you don't put yourself out there, then why complain? For what? You have to vote, make the difference and let people know.
13. Chris Tonze – Delivery truck attendant
I don't think voting will change anything. There is a lack of services and residents are complaining the whole time so I don't think a vote is worth it.
14. Lance Ho – Student
I don't vote. I don't feel like it is important. It pretty much comes down to laziness.
15. Jaco Bezuidenhout – Student
I'm not voting. What's the point? There is no service delivery and there is already a majority in control. There is no chance for real change. People need to exert pressure on government for basic needs that need to be recognised.
