By Minenhle Zikhali
To address the concerns surrounding the national elections and their impact on youth. The Durban University of Technology Student Governance recently held its first-ever clubs and societies panel discussion.
The discussion was about understanding the connection between the 2024 elections and youth empowerment. As well as connecting individuals from various clubs and societies to learn how to actively contribute to shaping a better tomorrow.
The SRC organisation and accommodation officer, Mhlengi Zuma said: “The 2024 elections are going to be a great moment that will not only determine the direction of our country but also significantly impact the lives of young people across the nation”
Nothuswa Mthembu, a DUT final-year Civil Engineering student, said that he did not register to vote for the elections because he does not feel as though he is part of the South African system.
“As the youth, the people who are in parliament do not want to engage with us, instead of hearing what we have to say, the people who are in parliament are too old, as much as we lack experience when it comes to politics, the people who are in the parliament are too old to be making decisions about our future,” Mthembu said
He continues by saying that some members of parliament are not fit to hold the roles they do, and as a result, he does not believe that his vote will matter.
Thamisanqa Khuzwayo, the coordinator of the Mkhonto Wesizwe Student Movement said that the lack of voter education in the country is the reason why young people are reluctant to vote.
“The only time where we see political activities in our communities is when it is election time, that is one of the reasons why young people are not involved in politics because they are not informed about why they need to vote,” Khuzwayo said
Sandiswa Buthelezi, a DUT postgraduate student, said, “The institution must encourage students to participate in the discussions and also to be part of the engagements in the”
