In Durban, South Africa, elderly residents at The Association for the Aged (TAFTA), a special voting station for senior citizens, have emphasized the importance of voting in the country's electoral process. They encourage South Africans, particularly young people, to participate in shaping the country's future. The elderly residents shared their hopes for improved education, better healthcare services, and greater support for pensioners.
Queen Reinal, one of the elderly residents, highlighted the significance of understanding citizens' rights and recognizing their role in shaping the country's future. She identified education and healthcare as key areas requiring attention, citing the need for good schools and quality care in hospitals. Reinal expressed her hopes for positive changes, despite having mixed feelings about voting.
Cookie Govender, 61, who has been living at TAFTA for three years, expressed her excitement about voting and exercising her democratic right. She emphasized the importance of treating elderly people with dignity in the healthcare system, particularly in addressing long waiting times. Govender called on the Department of Health to pay greater attention to the needs of senior citizens and advocated for more financial support for pensioners to cope with the rising cost of living.
Elayne Dykman, a 92-year-old voter, has been voting since she turned 18 and received her green identity document. She described voting as a privilege that should never be taken for granted. Dykman spent 24 years in what was then Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, before returning to South Africa and registering to vote again.
Dykman expressed frustration with people who choose not to vote because they believe the outcome is already decided. She encouraged young people to participate in elections, emphasizing that voting makes a big difference and should not be taken for granted.
The elderly voters at TAFTA urged South Africans to exercise their democratic right, expressing hope that participation in the electoral process would contribute towards a better future for South Africa. They emphasized the importance of voting in bringing about change and shaping the country's future.
The three elderly voters - Queen Reinal, Cookie Govender, and Elayne Dykman - shared their views on the importance of participating in the electoral process, highlighting their hopes for a better future for South Africa.
Key points
- Elderly residents in Durban encourage South Africans to exercise their democratic right to vote.
- The elderly residents emphasize the importance of addressing key issues such as education, healthcare, and support for pensioners.
- 92-year-old Elayne Dykman urges young people not to take the opportunity to vote for granted.
