Live Mag SA’s Onele went out to Mandalay Primary School voting station to ask a few bornfrees how  they felt after their first voting experience. We also asked them why they think the party they voted for deserved their vote. Here is what they had to say.

Nangamso Nancy Selana (born in 1993)

“I voted to just make a difference and just to support the party I believe in. It felt good, like I had power and it was just exciting. I definitely think the party I voted for deserves my vote and I believe that I have made the right choice.”

Sibulele Makeleni (born in 1996)

“I voted because I have the right to exercise my political voice and I believe that I should exercise it to ensure a better future for myself, fellow citizens and next generations to come. After I voted I felt good, like I’ve made a difference already.

Yes, I do believe the party I voted for deserves my vote. Realistically, things won’t happen overnight because it certainly doesn’t take five years to build and better a country.”

Siwe Vappie born (born in 1995)

“I have been waiting my whole life to have a voice so I can hold the political party that I vote for accountable when they don’t deliver on their promises. It doesn’t make sense to me when someone complains about the lack of service delivery when they haven’t even voted. Now that I have voted I feel like Pharrell [happy]. I feel like I now have a say. I feel like the Be to my yonce! ANC deserves my vote because they have been around for a long time and have providing people with things like bursaries and education for years . Because of the ANC I can go to proper schools with proper facilities, mingle with white people and we have equal opportunities.”

Ridge Sinkfontein (born in 1994)

“Even though I was forced to vote I think it’s about time I voted and I feel it’s the right thing to do. Since this was my first time voting, it’s the first time I actually feel as if I’m part of the community. I also feel older now that I have voted.

I’m not sure whether they deserved my vote or not. I think it depends on what the community wants and whether they will get it. As long as they serve the community then I think my vote went to the right party.”

Fundiswa Zide (born in 1993)

I voted for change, for my babies, for the future, for a better life. Voting is a nice feeling but I’m a bit insecure about whether my party will make a change. I don’t know if my party will make a difference.

Yes, I do believe they deserve my vote because I’ve seen change and that they actually want a better place for people, especially black people. They have changed as a party and I’ve seen the development.”

Images by Onele Liwani

Twitter: @Onele_L

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