‘We are winning, whether they like it or not, it is going to happen’ President Ramaphosa
NKANGALA – With just a few days left until the elections, the excitement among voters seems to be lacking compared to the enthusiasm of political parties across the spectrum, who are rallying and hoping for the best outcome.
Voters are feeling the pressure as they look to cast their votes amidst the challenges of poverty, unemployment, and prevailing inequalities in a country that recently celebrated 30 years of democracy.
The Highveld Chronicle gathered some insightful perspectives from the youth of Nkangala as May 29 approaches.
Some expressed their disappointment, stating that they see no need to vote as they believe their situation will remain unchanged even after casting their ballots.
“I find it pointless to vote for a party that promises us jobs but fails to deliver,” remarked a graduate from the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
Echoing this sentiment, an unemployed graduate from Dr JS Moroka added, “They did not only fail to create jobs but also to protect us from the challenges we face every day.”
Sipho Sidu, unemployed youth from Kwagafontein, voiced his frustration, stating that the social relief grant is insufficient to cover basic living expenses. “How is R350 supposed to feed, bathe, and support me?” he questioned.
A resident of Emalahleni, who voted for the first time in 2019, expressed her discouragement with the electoral process. “The rich will continue to get richer while the poor suffer. The unemployment rate is at a staggering 32.90%, and Mpumalanga’s is just over 46%. How does one vote when the odds are against you?” the resident asked.
Nontobeko Sibeko from Middelburg said she is worried about crime in the country. “The levels of crime are worrisome indeed. I am going to use my vote to change this in the coming days,” she said.
As the elections approaches, the political landscape remains intense, with parties vying for voter support. Known political parties have penetrated every corner of the country, trying to convince voters to support them. The emergence of new parties on the political scene such as Umkhonto WeSizwe, led by former president Jacob Zuma, is drawing large crowds, while the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) remain serious forces to reckon with, backed for potential growth according to latest polls.
The African National Congress (ANC) remains confident that they will continue to lead the country, acknowledging the challenges faced by the youth, primarily unemployment. Speaking at the walk organized by the Youth League in Soweto, President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed confidence in the ANC’s prospects of victory after May 29, stating, “We believe that we have done extremely well to re-energize our people, to reinvigorate them. So I feel very confident; actually, we are winning, whether they like it or not, it is going to happen.”
Let us all go and vote, your decision to vote on May 29, 2024, will shape the future of South Africa.
