- Local celebrities are urging young people to vote for change.
- Celebrities are saying they're going to make a name for themselves.
- Mark Lottering said South African voters are unfairly represented in politics.
Prominent figures in the Western Cape have called on young people to vote for change in this year's elections.
Gang violence, crime, unemployment and lack of education are just some of the issues people on the Cape Flats have to deal with.
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News24 spoke to several celebrities who grew up on the Cape Flats during apartheid and have since emigrated for various reasons.
They talked about what life was like 30 years ago, what has changed in their communities, and how voting for change will impact their neighborhoods.
Entertainer and singer Salome Damons Johansen reflected on life since leaving Lentejour in Mitchells Plain and her decision to vote for change.
“This is not the area I lived in when my parents and I lived in Lentejur. There was never any crime. My sisters and I could play on the street or walk around late at night without worrying about being robbed or hit by a stray bullet,” she said.
“It breaks my heart that Mitchells Plain is no longer the safe place it once was. I remember when I was growing up there were always adults there to make sure we didn't break the law.”
“Today, young girls are getting pregnant and teenage boys are sitting on street corners smoking drugs and committing crimes. Young people shouldn't have to live like this. They are better people than the neighborhoods they live in would suggest.”
“Come on, folks, we need you. This country needs your vote. You are the change we want to see. The goal of the right political party is the change we want to see in this country. And change starts with you.”
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Comedian Mark Lottering grew up on the streets of Retreat and said South African voters have an abusive relationship in politics.
“We share our beds with abusive partners and on May 29th we have the opportunity to vote. [and] “We're embarking on a new path. People are tired of walking around with their wounds,” Lottering said.
He continued:
And yes, I know the big question is, “Who the hell are we going to vote for?” I don't have the answer. All I know is that we need to hurry up and jump ship from our burning comfort zones. It seems like it's time to take a gamble.
South African actor and comedian Siv Ngesi said young people have the power to vote.
Speaking to News24 from a conference centre in the US, Ngesi said he flew from Cape Town to Johannesburg before leaving last week and then drove to Lesotho to vote.
It took over 12 hours to reach his destination, but he put down the X.
“If I can make a conscious decision to go out and vote, young people have no excuses. Change starts with us. We can't keep complaining about the state of the economy or the leaders who lead us. Let's get out and vote!”
“We need change. This country can be great again. Let's put in the effort and get out there and vote. It's now or never,” Ngesi said.
