I was listening to the radio on Saturday and the newsreader quoted the stats around Voter Registration weekend. “There are about 11.2 million unregistered voters and 4.5 million of them say they do not intend to register”. I thought to myself: huh!, not interested to register to vote? As in, not interested to exercise your democratic right to select the next leader and president of YOUR COUNTRY?
The next thing that came to mind was, “is this the same generation that coined the woke hashtag? Do they know what it means to be an active and proactive citizen? Do they know how many of their peers around the world who are deprived of this right? Do they know the meaning of the word democracy? Do they know some countries consider themselves a democracy but are run by tyrants, who self-elect? Do they know what their parents sacrificed in order for them to be afforded the right to draw a cross on that ballot paper? I use the word ‘afforded’ because many lives were lost and destroyed for us to see the fruits of democracy, in a country with one of the best constitutions in the world.
My husband had this to say: “perhaps they haven’t identified the right political party to vote for”. To which I responded: “they should still register, the ballot paper hasn’t been finalized. There might be new entrants and participants registered by the time we head to the voting stations in May. Having said that, surely they can find a party to vote for, given the 563 registrations at the last count.”
One could argue and state the high unemployment rate among that age group, that perhaps they are disillusioned and gatvol (Afrikaans for “I’ve had it/I’ve had enough/enough is enough). What is of main concern is that most of these subjects are relatively poor. Are they really going to place their future in the hands of others, those that might be better off, those that can actually afford to leave the country should shit hit the fan, or those that can afford private services and access to resources should a Tax Revolt take ground. Fact is, a tax revolt will mostly impact on the poor. My point is, the way to change and challenge the status quo is to be actively involved as a citizen, the only way to be heard is to speak. And the only way to be understood is to engage in meaningful and thought-provoking dialogue and that means being fully clued up about current affairs. If you don’t know what is going on in your own country how else are you going to hold your leaders accountable?
According to South African Citizens Survey, the subjects in discussion live in a major metropolitan area where there is (most likely) proper infrastructures that come with somewhat well-run facilities and services. Could we then conclude that they are content with the current state of affairs or are they in a comfort zone, or do they think they don’t deserve better? I ask because I know that much can be improved in this country. Imagine our potential if we elected ethical leaders who have a zero tolerance to corruption, nepotism and cronyism. Leaders who understand the true meaning of democracy: “rule by the people”, not “rule by a person/rule by a dynasty/rule by a tribe/rule by a clan” ……
My Humble Opinion: By refusing to register means you are passing up the opportunity to cast your vote and this disqualifies you from complaining about whomever gets elected to lead this country. Moreover, you waive your right to criticize the elected party and its policies. Your voice and opinions don’t matter. Don’t even think about organizing or partaking in that service delivery protest. Your generation is known as the ‘woke’ generation, at this rate, this word will soon be replaced with ‘drowse’.
“The government you elect is the government you deserve”
Thomas Jefferson
“The government others elect on your behalf is still the government you deserve”
Sonia Booth
Opinion Booth 