Is 2024 our 1994?
A big day it is for South Africans. Today, the Republic of South Africa held its seventh general election, celebrating 3O years after its very first democratic elections in 1994. With over twenty-seven million registered voters, 23 292 voting stations, and fifty-two national parties to choose from. South Africans went out in numbers to make their mark.
In the past, the youth of South Africa have been infamous for not taking part in the elections. This year’s elections will prove whether or not that is still the case. So far, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has stated that 78% of the registered voters are newly registered voters between the ages of 16 and 29. Does this mean that there is still hope within the youth of South Africa?
The Durban University of Technology (DUT), Ritson Campus housed one of the national voting stations, opening its doors at seven this morning. In a rather underwhelming mood, anxious voters waited in line for their turn to vote. With the atmosphere so somber, this indeed did not feel like 1994 which our parents had always described, the overwhelming excitement towards liberation and change. Today felt different. Different to what I had imagined it to be, especially as a first-time voter myself.
It was as though this day did not represent the hope or the resilience of a united rainbow nation that it should have represented. It was as though the youth could feel the heavy responsibility that this day came with. To them, this day represented uncertainty and fear. Fear of making the wrong decisions, fear of what the future has in store for them.
“As a youth in South Africa, these elections signified the chance to improve our history. It allowed me to think about my future in every aspect. It made me realise the future is ours to make, I hope my vote truly makes a difference, and I hope our leaders realise how much faith the youth have in them to better the conditions of our nation so we can make it prosperous again,” Minenhle Mkhize
With the IEC expected to announce the 2024 general election results in 7 days, South Africans impatiently await.
