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Wednesday

, 

8 May 

2019 South African general election

Will you be joining the voting lines?

This year seems to be very chilled from the political side of things. South Africa has come a long way, we have had 25 years of democracy and yet not much visual change has been attained (It is a continuous process). By visual I mean proper implementation of democratic policies and the vision and mission thereof. Honestly 25 years is quite a lot of years, for us to live in a democratic South Africa that still has overpopulated squatter camps and a paramount unemployment rate. Sadly students who are about to graduate and those who already have in most cases do not know what this economy has in store for them. So many socio-economic issues like access to clean water and sanitation or access to a  good basic healthcare service are not in provision, if so they are not of good quality. We are still suffering from the scars of Apartheid, so many issues have not yet been resolved. Politicians are really just looking out for themselves because they have figured out how exclusive the system is and how things will not change as long as this country is democratic (democracy is apartheid's legacy).

The youth play a very important role in terms of the country's future, and considering the fact that the locally termed ma2k, globally known as millennials are now of age to change and influence the outcome of the future of their country. Recently I have not seen much TV ads, home visits and those promotional things that politicians do to buy off votes compared to the previous years. We are in a new age now and the manner in which information is broadcatsed is not old school format. A lot of social media trending has been doing the rounds, with influencers and celebrities promoting and advocating for their proud political affiliations with aims of increasing membership (and proving their loyalty). Change is good, but is this new movement of advertising really influencial or just a thing for likes and public comments? Are these celebs fully aware of the struggles normal day to day  South Africans face? Do they even care or are they being paid for these deals?

It is quite obvious that not everyone is on social media, and also the fact that the majority of people who vote are old and are dependent on and only get their information through old school media such as radio, television and newspapers. All these sources of information are politically biased and leave no room for the recipient to argue or counter the given information, in addition these people can hardly access Google and other information provision sites found on the internet. They do not even know that the internet evolves everyday and new information and exposure comes to light per second. In my opinion and I stand to be corrected, these sources are just like school, you take what you are given and move along (same these political parties). However this does not matter that much, it is a new age thing, the world will adapt.

How sure are we that change will be achieved? I am honestly afraid of what is coming, I do not think I am ready or ever will be (the only choice I have is to adapt). Again we cannot have the same party that ruled for 25 years rule for the next five years (this is not growth). With the current economic state? Besides we have all vividly seen what the current president's capabilities are. Did we not see his full potential or was the timing not enough? Would a new political party give South Africa a fresh breath of air? Will we all be catered for equally? Will socio-economic issues in our country be solved? Will we still owe the world bank (I find this world-bank thing hideous, cause the planet is now on a global scale of debt)? Will we all finish off the National anthem with grattitude? Anyway, if you will be voting, ensure that you are fully aware of the party you are choosing, make sure that all your current and future needs will be fully catered for. It is your voice, let it be heard. Not voting is also a message, why promote a system that was never inclusive to you anyway?

Now the big question is are WE really PROMOTING or BOYCOTTING this 25 year old DEMOCRATIC system? Are we empowering a system that was never for us hence our needs are not met? Are we about to not participate in this movement and punish the very same system that has punished us even before it was implemented? Or are we going to infiltrate and then attempt to change it? The power is in our hands. As an individual you ought to know yourself before you can influence others, those celebs and influencers know what they are about and they can sleep very well at night. Can you? Are all your basic needs covered? Is your inherent human dignity even existent? Will our  newly elected government be accountable? What I am trying to highlight here is very simple, Are you a happy SOUTH AFRICAN or will you be one? YOU DECIDE, it is YOUR FUTURE. The bludgeoning of the people for the people by the people (LOL).

NB: This post was not paid for by any political party and does not aim to demoralize, or dehumanize anyone. These are my opinions and I stand to be corrected where needs be.