Reasons that stop young peoples from voting.

Q & A

After 27 years into democracy, the South African young people have lost hope in the local government. IEC (2016) reported that they had recorded 506 551 voters between the ages of 18 & 19, which was the lowest number if compared with the other age groupings.

I asked uNhlanhla Mkhize, a first-time voter from uMlazi section A, about the upcoming local elections, scheduled to be on Wednesday, 27 October 2021. Here are the highlights of our conversation.

Are you going to vote in this upcoming election? If not, explain why?

No, because I don’t trust the ANC. Look at how corrupt that party is, and I do not trust the opposition either. I do not trust the DA. I do not think they can do anything different. Regarding the EFF, well ... I also do not trust them. If I listen to what they say and behave in parliament, I don’t think they can solve anything.

As a young person, what change would you like to see in your community?

I would like to see less crime and more job opportunities. I want to see awareness about things that really matters, like Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Climate Change, Mental Health (depression), and so on. As we are under Covid-19, people are suffering from it in many ways. I would like to see more service delivery in my community.

How do you think we can achieve that change?

We must hold our leaders accountable. We need active law enforcement. If I report a matter to the police, justice must prevail. We must stop treating gang robbery as a petty crime because it a serious crime. Let take this scenario, if the uMlazi gang rob my father, that means my whole family will go to bed without food. I will school go to school without shoes. So, that is an impact of petty crime.

As we enter the 3rd wave of Covid-19, do you think people would be confident to go out and stand in the voting queues?

I do not think people would be confident enough to go and vote. We have lost so many relatives already.

Last Question: Have you read the manifestos of your local candidates? Do you know what there are planning to do if you put them in power? If not, how would you like them to address you as they cannot campaign door-to-door because of Covid-19?

No, I have not read their manifestos because they are not easily accessible. They do not have a website. If you did not go to the meeting, you would never hear what they are planning to do. Regarding the campaigns, they can use the radio because most 'elderly people' listen to it. To address young people, I think they should be active on social media.

Comments

Dialogue on Teenage Pregnancy, Drugs and Prostitution.

Mdunge Skhumbuzo The consulate general of India in Durban together with K CAP hosted a panel discussion on Themba Dlamuka's book titled "Playing with Love in The Lion's Cage". The event was on Friday, 20 September at Ekhaya Multi-Arts Centre to discuss teenage pregnancy, drugs, prostitution, HIV and AIDS. The panel consisted of Mr. Anish Rajan (Consul General of India in Durban), Ms. Gloria Khumalo (Indigenous knowledge Practitioner), Ms. Thanda Owalebi (The Health Practitioner) and Ms. Reshma Badal (The Community Health Activist). The discussion was moderated by Advocate Robin Sewlal (lecture at Durban University of Technology). Dlamuka began writing his book in 2010 after realizing the need for HIV & AIDS awareness. According to Dlamuka, he decided to write because almost every weekend there were 2 or 3 funerals of young people who died because of HIV & AIDS around Eshowe where he lives. "The book talks about love between the young couple....

How do weather conditions affect the pricing of food?

Image: Tyrren Jameson Mdunge Skhumbuzo The social grant benefits have reacted to the price hike of vegetables. Most of them said they only shop by the end of the month because they rarely travel into town. The earnings for this month have already started on 05 February 2020. The Botha’s Hill farmer, Fikile Mkhize, said they are vegetables that only germinate in the summer season. “By this time of the season, I only harvest Beans, Corn, Pepper, Pumpkin, and Sweet Potatoes. Then, in the winter season, I plant cabbages, carrots, lettuce, and spinach. The winter vegetables cannot survive under severe heat. For example, if you plant spinach in the summer season, you will notice that the leaves would be burn." The Botha’s Hill Spar Manager, Mr. JP, said the winter vegetables are becoming very expensive in the summer season. "It very difficult to get the merchandise of winter...

Unfolding issues of private security companies

Image: Vusi Khumalo Author: Mdunge Skhumbuzo The employees of private security companies have lamented that they are experiencing unfair treatment in their workplace. According to the statistics of PSIRA (Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority), South Africa has registered 9 000 security companies that have hired 450 000 employees. The embezzlement of security wages The security guards have different grades that range from A to E. Grade A is a high standard, while grade B- E are in the lower ranks. A security guard, Mdu Mhlongo, said there is a Government Gazette that stipulates a wage bill for all the security employees. Most companies have refused to heed these regulations. The Government Gazette stipulates that, on public holidays, the security guards should earn a double amount. But some companies are preferring to pay a single amount. Mdu said he experienced such treatment from two companies that he chose not to disclose. The Governmen...

KASI CULTURE

Search This Blog