On Wednesday, 8 May, South Africans will once again have the opportunity to have a say in who they want to govern their country, but we have noticed that not everyone will be making their mark on Election Day.
The editorial staff at the Record and Northsider believe in #IMadeMyMark, and this is why:
Adéle Bloem, Acting Editor: Record and Northsider: I have made my mark in every election since I turned 18 years old, and this year, on 8 May, it will be no different.
I believe that the ability to cast your vote in an election, is a privilege, but also your democratic right. If you forfeit this opportunity, you make a mockery of those who fought very hard to ensure we can take part in the democratic process of our country. I also believe that every vote does count – yours might just be that one needed to help a party obtain that all-important seat in Parliament, where they will be able to represent you in the country’s legislative body. So, join me on Election Day and make your mark to make a difference.
Lungi Ndimande, Record journalist : I will be voting tomorrow (8 May) because as a South African citizen I believe that it is vitally important to cast your vote, as your vote is your voice.
You deserve to be heard and by casting your vote you express your collective say in how we want to be governed and who gets to make the big decisions that affect our society. Voting expands your personal sphere of control.
When you vote, you are vocalising what you need, want, and believe in. You are standing up and demanding to be counted. When you don’t vote, you are silencing your heart and your conscience. Not voting is like giving your consent to the status quo (or to those you oppose), essentially saying that you don’t care whether anything changes. Let’s all go out there tomorrow and vote.
Thabisile Mgwali, Northside journalist: Voting for me basically means that I am practising my right as a South African and making my own decision, based on the data that I have gathered, and will act on it by voting. I am among those who believe that I forfeit my right to complain about the government if I do not vote.
Siso Naile, Northside journalist: Twenty-five years into our democracy, I’m still adamant that casting my vote is the right thing to do in order to change the economic and political climate in our country.
This is one opportunity in four years that allows an individual to channel his or her views and wishes for a better South Africa.
Come 8 May, I will stand in that long queue until I get to the ultimate ballot box where I will make my mark and hope it does make a difference in fighting some of the difficulties that we face in our everyday lives.
We will be covering some voting stations on election day in and around Roodepoort. Don’t forget to snap your photo after making your mark and tag Roodepoort Record or Roodepoort Northsider, using #IMadeMyMark.
