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As the SA citizens gears up once again to exercise their right to vote for a new government in May, WSU Brand Ambassadors organized an informative session for students on Friday morning to motivate them to participate in voting and gain in-depth knowledge from Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) members.
The session, themed “Empower the Future, Igniting Change through Voting,” took place at the WSU Buffalo City Campus Potsdam site.
WSU Brand Ambassador, Asiphe Mlakalaka, emphasized the pressing need to increase voter turnout among young people.
“By launching the "Youth Power Vote" programme we hope to address this gap and inspire the next generation of voters to take an active role in shaping the future of our country,” she said.
Mlakalaka explained that the main aim was to motivate and empower student born after year 2000 to actively participate in the upcoming national elections and engage individuals in the political process to cultivate a sense of civic responsibility.
Delivering a message of support, Student Representative Council (SRC) member, Mlamli Ngidi, from the Policy & Transformation Office noted the significance of such engagements, considering the majority of registered members are youth.
“We thank WSU Brand Ambassadors for organizing such an event because voting is important. Each vote has an influence on enhancing our education,” he emphasized, encouraging students to vote for the candidates of their choice to enjoy the fruits of democracy.
Echoing Ngidi, Mokgweetsi Keikabile from BCC Student Governance Leadership and Development (SGLD)Pathfinder highlighted the hard-earned importance of voting, mentioning the sacrifices made by youth during apartheid.
“There were youth who went to exile and fought for liberation, and for that reason, we should participate in voting,” he said, underscoring the meaningful role youth play in society.
“We have 400 members in parliament, and it is through voting that we hold those members accountable. It is important to participate in politics as they affect our day-to-day lives,” he added.
IEC guest speaker, regional outreach officer, Makaphile Mboxela, welcomed the engagement, emphasizing its importance due to previous issues of young people not participating in voting.
His colleague, Vuyolwethu Khetye, highlighted the significance of such engagements, especially as new ballot papers would be introduced in the upcoming national elections to accommodate independent candidates.
“2024 marks 30 years of democracy, and the youth must understand the importance of voting as their vote is their voice,” she stressed.
Attending the engagement, WSU Tourism Management student Tshepo Buthelezi commended the ambassadors for their initiative, noting that some youth had lost interest in voting.
By Yolanda Palezweni
