#IMadeMyMark: Senior citizens ready to vote in the upcoming elections
Huis Dien Bothma center management has confirmed that residents will in May vote on the premises and can also be driven to a nearby voting station.
South Africa is due to hold general elections on May 8, when eligible voters will be voting for national and provincial government.
On that account, the Advertiser visited SAVF Huis Dien Bothma to find out if the elderly citizens will be making their mark during the sixth democratic elections, and if they understand the significance of participating in elections.
Here are the residents’ views on voting and the current state of the country:
Margaret Dunn (62): “I’m definitely going to vote, but I’m not happy with the level of corruption which has seen service delivery going downhill. Our leaders are not keeping up with their promises. There is a high rate of unemployment, but I still have hope that with the right people in government, things can improve, and that all South African citizens can love each other in this beautiful country.”
Billy Wilson: “I would love to vote in this year’s election but because of my limited mobility I was unable to register, and am very disappointed because that makes me ineligible. I am very concerned about the level of crime and corruption in government. We don’t feel safe in this country anymore and I believe that harsher punishment such as bringing back the death penalty can help curb the crime situation in our country where criminals are running amok.”
Gert Lodder (82): “Yes I’ll be voting and voting is a must. I think the new government need to prioritise job creation and address the bad state of our healthcare system because these two are making me anxious.”
Dirkie Eloff: “I’m going to vote and I’m happy with what our current president has done so far and I still believe that South Africa has the potential. I would like to see the president doing more to improve the health care system in South Africa. Working together will help us improve.”
Raymond Badenhorst: “I’m excited to vote and been voting since I was 18. I’m happy that we are now living in a democratic country, but the government needs to focus on empowering the youth and improving our health care system. “We need to honour Mandela’s legacy.”
ALSO READ:
Elections 2019: 5 things we’ve learnt about South African voters
Elections 2019: How to apply for a special vote
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