By Mikateko Benedict Phalane
Mikateko Benedict Phalane from Mamelodi, Tshwane
The air crackles with a potent mix of hope and frustration in South Africa.
While the nation celebrates its 30th anniversary of democracy, the echoes of its turbulent past still linger. Inequality, unemployment, and corruption continue to plague the nation, leaving many, particularly young people, feeling disillusioned and disenfranchised.
Yet, within this challenging landscape lies a powerful opportunity: the chance for young South Africans to shape their future by actively engaging with the political landscape and exercising their right to vote.
The statistics paint a stark picture.
The 2019 elections saw a dishearteningly low youth voter turnout.
This apathy is a dangerous trend, one that threatens the very fabric of our democracy.
Young people are the future of South Africa; their voices and perspectives are crucial in shaping the policies and priorities of our nation.
Their active participation in the political process is not just a right, it’s a responsibility.
The argument that their voices don’t matter is simply untrue.
The decisions made today by those in power will directly impact the lives of young people for decades to come.
From the quality of education and healthcare they receive, to the job opportunities available to them, to the very environment they inherit, every political decision has a ripple effect that shapes their future.
But understanding the political landscape is not merely about knowing the names of political parties and their policies.
It’s about understanding the complex web of social and economic factors that influence political decision-making.
It’s about critically analyzing campaign promises and discerning genuine change from mere rhetoric.
It’s about understanding the power dynamics at play, recognizing the historical context that shapes the present, and appreciating the diverse perspectives within our nation.
This understanding requires engagement. It requires actively seeking out information from reliable sources, engaging in critical discourse with peers and mentors, and challenging the status quo.
It requires holding our elected officials accountable, demanding transparency and demanding action.
The path to meaningful change begins with a simple act: registering to vote. By exercising this fundamental right, young people can amplify their voices, ensuring that their concerns and aspirations are heard.
Beyond voting, however, lies a multitude of ways to participate in the political process. From joining political parties and running for office, to advocating for specific issues and holding peaceful protests, young people can actively shape the future they envision for themselves and for their nation.
This is not a call for blind allegiance to any specific party or ideology. Rather, it’s a call for informed engagement, for critical thinking, and for a healthy skepticism towards power.
It’s a call for young people to demand more from their leaders, to hold them accountable for their actions, and to ensure that their voices are heard in the corridors of power.
The future of South Africa rests on the shoulders of its young people.
By understanding the political landscape, engaging in critical discourse, and exercising their right to vote, they can empower themselves, build a more inclusive and equitable society, and truly become the architects of their own destiny.
The time for apathy is over. The time for action is now.
Very true, the future lies behind our votes. Our votes counts and our choices count more than mere talk.