‘All we can do is hope now’
As Mitchell’s Plain voters came out to make their mark in the elections last week, Plainsman reporter Marsha Bothma visited polling stations at Oval North High School in Morgenster and Alpine Primary School in Beacon Valley to check the mood on the ground.
Lousinda Claasen, 44, of Beacon Valley, did not want her picture taken, but she said: “I hope that my vote will make a difference not only for myself but for my children and the youth. Adults must set an example for them in voting, especially with corruption. I hope and pray it will make a difference going forward with this election.”
Jay-dene Claassen, 21, of Morgenster voted for the first time on Wednesday. “I voted at Oval North High School. As young people, we don’t want to see children struggling in the future. Most of us coloureds don’t achieve the things we need to achieve. I hope we made a difference and chose the right party,” she said.
Julian Roach, 72, of Morgenster, placed a special vote on Tuesday May 28 and said it had been a proud moment for him. “I’m positive about the future as it needs change. It cannot continue this way. The country was going one way, and I hope that it changes.”
Elizabeth Major, 63, of Beacon Valley, who voted with her neighbour, Valerie Martheze, said she had chosen a different party this time from the one she had voted for previously as she hoped it would do something for the country and especially Mitchell’s Plain.
“I’m struggling, my children can’t find a job even after finishing school. I’m living on someone else's property. I hope this party will be able to do something and change will really come.”
Igshaan Davids, 58, of Beacon Valley, voted with his house mate, Raeesha Ables, 59, at Alpine Primary School. Mr Davids was born with polio and Ms Ables was born with cerebral palsy.
“I hope my vote will bring a change. The economy is not so lekker here. It’s only this time of the year, when it’s voting, that you see politicians helping people. All we can do is hope now,” said Mr Davids.
