Future voters have mixed feelings about current politics

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Gauteng – During election week, the National Results Operations Center (ROC) in Pretoria was a hub of activity, not just for politicians and the media, but also for visitors who were keen to observe the democratic election process at work.

Some of these visitors were hard to miss; donned in full school uniform.

Local Voices spoke to these young South Africans who are the country’s future voters who said it is important to them to understand politics at a young age in order to be adults who make informed decisions in future.

So, which political views do they share with political parties, will they indeed be voting in future, and if they had to cast their votes today, which party would be appealing?

For some, none.

“Personally, I wouldn’t vote until I find a party that is worthy of my vote; someone that cares to make the country a better place. Right now, there isn’t a political party that I can identify with and that shares my interests. Right now, there isn’t such a political party,” said Unarine Luvhengo from St. Alban’s College.

Benjamin Chelule, and Iviwe Ntandane Unarine Luvhengo also from St. Alban’s College agreed with Luvhengo.

Meanwhile, primary school going Ndaloenhle Makhanya sounded a little more hopeful.

He said if he had to have his own political party, it would ensure that all South Africans are sheltered in free housing and safe.

Makhanya added that he considers it important for young children to learn visit the ROC and generally learn about politics, democracy and elections because they learn all about the legalities and illegalities of voting which will help them in future when it is their time to start voting.

“Being here is a very good experience. It teaches children what happens and how it (elections) happen. Sometimes there’s talk about different political parties, how people have been voting twice and how illegal that is…so they would be aware when it’s their chance to vote,” said 12 year old Makhanya who goes to from Pinnacle College Rynfield. (Edited by Philile Masango)