Lufefe Ndzindzilili (21) from Mthatha, Eastern Cape, is eager to vote for the first time in the upcoming 2024 National and Provincial government elections so that his voice can be heard.
“We can have our voices heard if we vote in numbers. We need policies that will tighten laws against crime, allow more youth employment and engage us in decision-making,” said Ndzindzilili.
He said voting allows youth to get the future they want which addresses the needs of South Africans such as more jobs, less corruption and more funding for education.
According to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), there are about seven million youth between the ages of 16 and 29 are not registered to vote.
The IEC is an independent organisation that is South Africa's election management body.
For Ndzindzilili, this is a major challenge as he believes that the future of South Africa is now in the hands of the youth.
“Most challenges in our country like drug and alcohol abuse, crime, unemployment and depression affect the youth.”
Ndzindzilili believes that it is through voting that young people can take part in the decision-making of addressing the challenges that the youth face.
He also expects to experience a smooth voting day next year.
Ndzindzilili is currently doing his learnership in electrical engineering at Eskom Transmission Simmerpan in Germiston and sees himself as a certified engineer in the near future.
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