Students, take charge of your future – vote

VOTING is not just our right as South African citizens, it is our duty. Voter turnout among young people has long been notoriously low. This does not have to be the narrative next year.

Voting is important. Politics affects nearly every aspect of our current and future lives and, as students, we need to take an active role in shaping what we want the policies to be.

State and local officials make important decisions that affect our everyday life. This includes higher-education funding, environmental policies, affordable housing policies and medical care.

The situation won’t be changed by sitting idle while others make major political decisions. Youth voters who want to inspire change need to show their support for the candidates whom they feel best represent their needs. No one else is going to vote in the interest of young people except young people.

Taking part in politics is a hardwon right in our nation. Our parents didn’t care about what got in their way and they made sure they stuck together to get their voices heard. They kept fighting no matter what was said or what set them back. Their courage got us to where we are today. Let’s not waste the sacrifice, let’s make the change for us and keep fighting like our parents did for a better future. NILOFAR DAWOOD Sherwood