By: Dale Munatswa

Journalismlziko went around Durban University of Technology campuses on the fifth of May to take a consensus on the students voting in the 2014 primary polls on the seventh of May.
Students explained what they understood about the elections, why they were going to vote, their expectations, possible outcomes and what they hope the winning party will bring to the table.

Promise Ngobese, 22 an Office Management student, said “I am going to vote so that my voice is heard and to make a decision for the future of South Africa. I have decided to vote for the ANC because they have done so much for the youths and I am hoping that they continue to do so. I am not sure who is going to win, because political issues are hard to predict. I hope that whoever wins provides jobs for students coming out of university and promote businesses by young people.”

Zakheke Buthelezi 26, studying Marketing said that, “By voting I am exercising my right as a South African citizen. I am only going to vote for the ANC on a regional level, because they are the only party which has been there since the beginning although they are corrupt.  On the national level l haven’t decided, actually I will spoil the ballot just to punish Zuma. I think the ANC will win but not with a two-thirds majority because of Nkandla Gate. I hope they provide more in-service training places, employment and decrease the level of corruption in the country.”

Siyanda Ndlovu, 22, an office management student said, “I am a citizen I need to have an opinion in the selection of the leadership of my country. I have not yet decided on which party I am going to vote for because most of the parties are saying the same thing.  The leading party Is corrupt, and the other parties are opposing it but not coming up with possible solutions to the problem. ANC is going to win because, of the legacy of Mandela. They say they want to defend the legacy of Mandela and everyone loves Mandela, even the people who hate the ANC will vote for it because they love Mandela. I want the issue of NSFAS to be fixed because there are many students who are sitting at home without bursaries.

Sonia Reddy, 19, studying Civil Engineering said, “I am voting to make a difference . I have not decided which party to vote for, because I am confused, there is a lot of conflict, the adverts say different things and they are all convincing, and at the end of the day you do not want to get disappointed when they do not deliver. I have to decide tomorrow, between the DA and the ANC. There should be improvement in equality, and peace. People should understand that we are all hummans. There should be equal opportunities for everyone at campus.”

Mbatha Nkululeko, 20, studying Computer Systems said, “I want to put someone who is capable of leading us as a nation. I want to have a say in the elections, that I voted, my vote contributed to that person being there. I have not decided who I am going to vote for, maybe I will vote for the ANC because they have changed a lot, but I still hope that they will bring more. It is obvious; the ANC is going to win, because many people out there are saying it out there. “

Muzi Miya, 24 a Mechanical Engineering student said, “ I am voting because it is my decision and if you don’t vote at all you should not complain on how the country is being run. I have not decided who to vote for, it is difficult this year, it is hard, but the leading party is going to win anyways. Its just that its have decreased numbers because of other promising parties.”

Zesuliwe Mtshali, 23, studying Sports Management said, “ I am voting because each and every person has the power to change the government. The ANC is obviously going to win, because it has done a lot, feeding needy children, NSFAS, grants, it’s all from the ANC. I just hope they will increase the NSFAS money.”

Siphesile Sithole 21, studying Electrical Engineering said, “I am voting because we want a better life. I will vote for the NFP, because I still believe that if they have a chance they can make a difference. Maybe the ANC Is going to win and I do not see any difference in what will happen.”

It is significant that young people participate in the polls. However with the majority of students uncertain about which party they are going to vote for, the outcome of the elections depends on them.