BLOEMFONTEIN – While scores of youths are rethinking their participation in elections owing to South Africa’s voter apathy, Nomusa Lekhethe is determined to make her mark as a first-time voter in the upcoming South African local government elections (LGE) to be held in November.

The model and pageant contestant began her journey after being educated and influenced by her mother, Nomvuyo Masengane. During the voter registration weekend of 1 and 2 August, both checked their details in person at the voting station at the Lourier Park Primary School in ward 18 of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM).

After confirming their details on the voters’ roll at the voting station, both said they were ready to go to the polls in November.

“I have been with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) for some time, and I had an opportunity to represent the IEC through voter education programmes on a radio programme. I learned that I should not entirely rely on government to make decisions for me, and I am a change-maker. If the youth can get together, we can make a significant difference in South Africa. I’m encouraging young girls to be change-makers. Let’s change things to be the way we want. Let’s build South Africa to be a better place for all of us,” said Lekhethe. She completed Gr. 12 last year.

Masengane pointed out the importance of taking her daughter along on the voting journey, recalling her own worthwhile experience of voting for the first time in 2004.

“The journey started by registering her when she turned 16 and I continued educating her to ensure she was ready for decision-making for the party of her choice. I took her along to show her voting procedures, what is needed, including the importance of active participation in elections. It takes a courageous step to educate young people about the importance of actively participating in elections by voting,” Masengane explained.

The experience of voting for the very first time has stuck with her.

“It was a life-changing experience voting for the first time in 2004. I learnt that my vote is my voice, and voting helps bring the desired change we want as a community and how things should be run in our communities. It taught me that the responsibility does not lie with politicians but with us,” said Masengane.

Masengane believes it is her responsibility as a parent, too, to educate her daughter about the significance of actively participating in elections and the power of her vote to ensure the prosperity of South Africa. She stressed that in addition to the IEC, parents, too, must continue their role in educating their children about the importance of registering and participating in every election – national, provincial, and local government elections as well as ward by-elections.

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