Generation Z making their voices heard

Octavia Tsibes
Article 7 of the African Charter states that every child who is capable of communicating his or her own views should be allowed to express his or her opinions freely. To enact this right, Duine se Lyne asked the learners what their views on how important it is to vote, whether they are planning to vote and if they think their vote would matter.

Elvanno Gomeb

I think it’s very important for young people to vote and choose our own political party and leaders. We are the leaders of tomorrow, so we need to choose someone who can lead with example and who will help benefit all Namibians – young and old. As for my vote making a difference; it doesn’t seem like it could now but hopefully, in the future it can change and help shape our society. I sincerely hope so.

Alicia !Naibas

Yes, I am going to vote. I know young people can alter the outcome of the elections. I mean, who can care more about issues concerning the youth other than the youth themselves? Statistics show that older people are more likely to vote, which means their concerns are likely to dominate the agenda. By exercising our considerable voting power, we can make sure that issues of relevance to us is placed and kept on the agenda. By voting, you get to have a say in the elections, as well as what happens for the 5 years to come.

Jan Montgomery

I believe that if I vote it will inspire other young people to vote. By having my say, I can help make the economic and social factors better. Every vote makes a difference and I really want to see a change in our economy.

Hirokevi Muhipa

I plan to vote, yes. It’s important to me because I want to see a change in our country, and as a young person I can express my vision through voting. My vote is definitely going to make a difference, because it is going to contribute to the rice grain that tips the scales.

Annuschka Moller

No, I don’t like that I have to choose a god for my country. At the end of the day they claim to have a vision for world peace, but they still just fight for every position. The majority of the votes go be the leading party, it never changes and I believe it never will. I will not vote.

Breyton Brendell

Being a part of today’s generation requires us to vote, because we also have the right to choose who governs us. We are the future leaders, we can make a huge difference in the future of our country!

William Cookson

I think it’s time for us to choose our own political party and to stay committed towards it. We should be proud of who we are. Yes, I fully believe my vote counts. My voice will be heard, a way of achieving that is by voting!

Ray-Dean Klazen

I feel that there are a lot of children that have no information on the subject. We are not taught about the voting process nor do we have classroom discussion about it. Many people see us as immature and ignorant but expect us to be on top of all controversial issues. How can we do that when we are never allowed to freely speak and ask about it?

Courtney Marais

Voting is such an important aspect of being part of a democracy. We have a say in how we are governed and who is best fit for that position. Life has become so digital these days and I guess you could say this is slowly becoming our platform for change, but we aren’t there yet. We still have to vote, and through that we can make a change.

Megan-Jane Robinson

Honestly, I don’t understand the various political parties there is, but personally I feel it is very important for the youth to vote. Change comes from the youth, we need new ideas, people that are involved on the ground with the issues affecting the people. We have the power to change the ruling status of our country.