Crowds of young first-time voters lined up in long queues that formed at voting stations in Nelson Mandela Bay on Wednesday, suggesting the youth vote may prove decisive in the outcome.
Expectations were at a fever pitch as youngsters descended on polling booths across the city.
Keaton Browers, 18, was among those making their voice heard as he turned up to cast his ballot at Strelitzia Primary School.
The confident youngster said he hoped well-run municipalities would be the order of the day for the seventh administration of SA’s democratic era.
“[The] government has failed us, and now is the time we fix the country,” he said.
“We want to see job creation and [improved] environmental awareness for the country to progress correctly.”
Likhona Cosa, 19, said she wanted to see change in the education system.
Siyamthemba Nkayitshana, 21, made a beeline for the voters’ queue in Westering to make her mark.
“I am excited to be voting for the first time today,” the first-year Nelson Mandela University (NMU) student said.
“The change I want to see is an end to load-shedding, which has affected my ability to pursue my studies.”
Alungile Ntingiso, at 26, said he realised the importance of voting, waking up early to join the fanfare in Ward 44, where queues were moving slowly due to system glitches.
“Our efforts are seemingly laboured as the youth seeking to enter the job market after graduating.
“I did not acknowledge the importance of making this decision five years ago, and I have had a change of heart.
“I want to exercise my democratic will.”
Leante Walton, who joined voters at De Vos Malan Primary School in Schauderville said: “I’m super excited about seeing a change in our community and nation.”
NMU postgraduate diploma in accounting student Levisha Kok, 22, was also bubbling with excitement in the queue at the Kings Beach Life Saving Club with her sister, Lavern.
“I am voting to change the world and to change my world.
“Everyone from my class will be in the lines today.
“We discussed it together. We didn’t go into who is going to vote for what party.
“My vote is my secret. But we agreed that change needs to happen. We can’t stay in limbo.”
HeraldLIVE
Nelson Mandela Bay youth come out in numbers
Reporter
Image: GUY ROGERS
Crowds of young first-time voters lined up in long queues that formed at voting stations in Nelson Mandela Bay on Wednesday, suggesting the youth vote may prove decisive in the outcome.
Expectations were at a fever pitch as youngsters descended on polling booths across the city.
Keaton Browers, 18, was among those making their voice heard as he turned up to cast his ballot at Strelitzia Primary School.
The confident youngster said he hoped well-run municipalities would be the order of the day for the seventh administration of SA’s democratic era.
“[The] government has failed us, and now is the time we fix the country,” he said.
“We want to see job creation and [improved] environmental awareness for the country to progress correctly.”
Likhona Cosa, 19, said she wanted to see change in the education system.
Siyamthemba Nkayitshana, 21, made a beeline for the voters’ queue in Westering to make her mark.
“I am excited to be voting for the first time today,” the first-year Nelson Mandela University (NMU) student said.
“The change I want to see is an end to load-shedding, which has affected my ability to pursue my studies.”
Alungile Ntingiso, at 26, said he realised the importance of voting, waking up early to join the fanfare in Ward 44, where queues were moving slowly due to system glitches.
“Our efforts are seemingly laboured as the youth seeking to enter the job market after graduating.
“I did not acknowledge the importance of making this decision five years ago, and I have had a change of heart.
“I want to exercise my democratic will.”
Leante Walton, who joined voters at De Vos Malan Primary School in Schauderville said: “I’m super excited about seeing a change in our community and nation.”
NMU postgraduate diploma in accounting student Levisha Kok, 22, was also bubbling with excitement in the queue at the Kings Beach Life Saving Club with her sister, Lavern.
“I am voting to change the world and to change my world.
“Everyone from my class will be in the lines today.
“We discussed it together. We didn’t go into who is going to vote for what party.
“My vote is my secret. But we agreed that change needs to happen. We can’t stay in limbo.”
HeraldLIVE
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