CAREFUL CONSIDERATION BEFORE VOTING

Letter from the editor, 27 April

Responses to

As a partially sighted citizen of South Africa, I’m still wrapping my head around which party or independent candidate I am going to vote for. It should be one that prioritises access to education and training for persons living with disabilities.

The party or person should treat each disability individually and not use a blanket approach, as each disability creates its unique needs. Employment of persons with disabilities in the public sector is progressing at a snail’s pace, so my vote will definitely go to a party or independent candidate who will make sure that this issue is given the urgent attention it deserves.

So, I will be going through the manifestos to make an informed decision before I head to the ballot booth. The time to vote according to loyalty has come to an end. I’ll be voting for the party or independent candidate who will address issues that resonate with me.

Elphas Ngcobo

Greetings from Boston! I voted for the first time in my life in 1994 at the age of 35.

I watched the Mbeki administration’s ineptitude and from then on saw a country that I love repeatedly plundered by greedy politicians. I will be using my vote in the 2024 elections hopefully to rid South Africa of a party I no longer have confidence in.

For most South Africans living in the US, voting comes at a cost as there are limited consulate offices. I am registered to vote in New York on 18 May, so need to pay for travel and accommodation.

Many South Africans living abroad just can’t be bothered, but for those who believe in the potential of a better South Africa, our vote is as important as it was in 1994.

Stewart Ting Chong

I was one of the 1.73% who voted DP in 1994, and have voted DA since. I have no hope that the DA will ever come to power, and its recent stances say to me that it will never have broad meaningful support.

I want to vote for a party that has a reasonable chance of governing in the future and can appeal to a broad base of South Africans. Rise Mzansi will be my choice as it does not have the political baggage of other parties. I hope my vote is one that helps establish a new era in South Africa in the years to come by creating a solid base in this election.