Radisele youths choose to vote with their feet
Innocent Selatlhwa | Tuesday January 23, 2024 08:01
Kgosi Mmereki described the low numbers as disappointing and worrisome, saying in some instances it was not uncommon for Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) registration officers to register an average of two people per day. He said the officers had revealed to him that those who came forward to register were mostly the elderly in their 50s and above, while the youth showed little or no interest to register.
“It is painful that ahead of elections, when people should take responsibility to elect leaders, some are dragging their feet,” Kgosi Mmereki said, further urging parents to push their children to registration points. On other issues, Kgosi Mmereki expressed concern over older men who are without O Mang identity cards.
“Men as old as 36 are yet to acquire O Mang. Just this week, I came across three such cases,” he said. Post the Kgotla meeting, The Monitor team embarked on a fact finding mission to hear the views of young people here on the issue. The first stop was the nearby pubs where scores of young people congregated.
Amid the clinks of glasses and murmurs of conversations, The Monitor engaged with them to seek answers to the prevailing apathy amongst the youth towards political participation. Three distinct voices echoed the sentiments of many, providing a glimpse into the disappointment gripping the younger demographic. “I don't see the point in registering or attending these meetings,” remarked Thabo Onkgolotse, a 23-year-old in between sips of beer at one of the bars. “We've seen promises come and go, but our lives remain unchanged. It's just a waste of time that could be better spent trying to survive.”
Onkgolotse's sentiment found resonance with Lerato Gabodirwe, a jobless 31-year-old resident of the village. “They talk about voting as if it's some magical solution, but it doesn't change the fact that I'm struggling to find a job. I'd rather focus on finding employment than casting a vote that doesn't seem to make a difference,” he said. As the conversation unfolded, Tumelo Lentswe, a 25-year-old, leaned in to share his perspective. “Politicians promise us the world at election time, and once they're in power, nothing changes. I've seen it happen over and over again.
Voting just perpetuates the cycle of broken promises.” The common thread in these conversations unveiled the disconnect between the aspirations of the youth and the perceived impact of political participation. For many, the act of voting seemed divorced from the tangible improvement of their daily lives.