Election Day
Today is suppsed to be a public holiday, most people are either sleeping in their beds and others wake up early to go and vote. It's the 1st of March 2006, a few people around the country have been killed prior to the elections because of who they support. This has been especially hectic in Kwa-zulu Natal - Suprise, Suprise!
On the Journalism 4, New Media front however, Gregor and I wake up early to go and catch voters at the Joza and Grahamstown central, voting stations. Prior to this the class has covered a few stories on the elections and most people were still contemplating wether they were going to vote or not because of their dissatisfaction towards service delivery.
Those who voted today however, were optimistic because of the promises they had been given by their respective parties. An elderly couple stated that since they were pensioners, the government had goven them money therefore they were going to vote for it. Others stated that voting shows that you are part of the South African community and you are all working towards something and those who do not vote however do not see themselves as part of it.
I have looked into the faces of the poor and dissatisfied and how they have lost hope in their government, I have also looked into the faces of the poor and joyous, because of their hope in their government. The elite speak about the ridiculous amount of money that the pensioners get and the system they have to follow to get it, i.e. standing in long cues etc.
The elderly couple we spoke to,however, was grateful for the money they received and saw it their duty to vote so the government can continue raise the standard of living in South Africa.
Some said that those who do not vote are those who have either lost hope and do not see how the country has grown collectively or it is those who already have something and therefore do not care to vote.
This got me thinking, those who are comfortable, most of them anyway, really do not care to vote or register. Many people have struggled, fought wars and bled and died so we can vote. Every single one. Whether you be light skinned or dark skinned, male or female, our fathers and mothers have fought and died so we can vote. Whether it is the overthrowing of monarchies in Europe, fighting colonialism or gender inequalities, all have fought......
posted by Sipetile @ 10:35 PM
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