“Yes, I voted. I believe in the party and what they can achieve in the future, democracy belongs to each and every one of us and it is only right that we give our vote to a party that wants to change our nation.”
Lindokuhle Malaza, a third-year BIS Publishing student.
“I didn’t vote because the main party is corrupt and there is no suitable alternative I find I can affiliate with.”
An anonymous final-year actuarial science student.
“Yesterday [7 May] was the first time I voted and [the] reason why I voted is because I want to see change in the current policies of the country and I want to see us strive for economic growth. And also, since I voted, I think I had a say in which party should govern the country and it is one of my rights that many sacrificed their lives for, hence [why] I voted yesterday. I have faith in my party and I’m satisfied, there’s only one thing I do not agree with when it comes to it, that being their presidential candidate.”
Mandla Ntimane, a third-year B Town and Regional Planning student.
“No, I didn’t vote and I would never vote. Why? Well, I will start by quoting, ‘Voting gives people an illusion of power that does not exist.’ In case you have not noticed, we are in Africa and in Africa no country ever made a positive change through ballot papers and voting polls. The 1994 elections changed f***l, don’t give me that Rainbow c**p just because you have a right to start your own business. Political parties will not change anything. Your votes don’t count.”
Onesimo Mtintsilana, a third-year BSc Physics student.
“I did not vote because it’s so hard to be loyal to any party in SA when there is so much corruption.”
Neo Matsho, a third-year BCom Auditing student.
“I did not vote because I couldn’t decide on whom to vote for. Everyone has their own agendas.”
Mpelegeng Rammutloa, a third-year BCom Informatics student.
“I voted and I have a nasty brown mark on my finger to prove it. But I voted because it is important to me to become a responsible, participating member of society. I love my country and I want to help steer it into a brilliant future in every which way I can. I do [it] for myself, my family and my children who will inherit this beautiful land. Faith is all I have. I prayed about it and asked for peace when I placed my mark on the ballot, no matter who is president, whichever ruling party is holding the highest office in our nation. The work to build a great RSA lies with us. I’m not satisfied with my vote as there’s no one, I feel right now, who has the country’s best interest at heart and recognises the people’s struggle. But I will be happy and grateful that at least we aren’t at war.”
Dlozi Mthethwa a third-year BIS Multimedia student.
“Yes, I voted. My vote wasn’t a vote for that particular party, but it was a vote against the ANC. Trying to get [the] opposing party more sits in parliament so as to give ANC a challenge to serve its people well.”
Seihati Moretlwe, a BCom student.
“I voted and it was super exciting because it was my first time. I am a proud born free. I do not know if the party I voted for will deliver but I’m hoping it will.”
Kelebogile Lesolang, a psychology student.
“Yes, I voted because every vote counts and I feel like we need to be active citizens. I am satisfied [with the party the vote was casted for] as I have researched their track record and seen their policy implemented first hand.”
Thyler Cardinal Von Widdern, a second-year BSc Mathematical Statistics student.
