#IMadeMyMark: Voting since 1994
Johan was 24 when he voted for the first time in 1994 and he said he remembers that late Nelson Mandela, FW de Klerk, political parties and the voting stations were all over the news.
“I HAVE voted every election year since 1994 and will continue to do so in the future,” said Johan Pienaar (49).
Johan was 24 when he voted for the first time in 1994 and he said he remembers that late Nelson Mandela, FW de Klerk, political parties and the voting stations were all over the news.
“It was an exciting time for South Africa as it was the first democratic election and most South Africans participated,” he said.
He voted for the first time in Ga-Nala (previously known as Kriel) in Mpumalanga at the local fire station and he told the RECORD that he remembers the long queues.
“I knew it was my responsibility as a citizen to vote so that the right leaders can be voted for to lead.”
Johan remembers that the ANC won the electoral majority in the country’s first free elections and Mandela was elected South Africa’s president, a position he held until 1999.
1994 vs now
South Africa since 1994 transitioned from the system of apartheid to one of majority rule.
“So many things have changed and not all for the good.”
“Since 1994 the economy of the land, education and service delivery worsened. The number of unemployment doubled and crime increased. Structures such as hospitals, fire stations and police stations were still on standard. We can’t say the same about the structures today.”
Making his mark again
“My wish for South Africa is to eliminate racism and unemployment. To stop crime and to rebuild the land’s economy. As South Africans we need to strive for better even when all hope is lost. If we want changes we must vote and try to speak up through a vote,” he said.
He also urged people to vote as it is better than not voting but still complain about everything that is wrong in the country.
“Now is the time,” he said.
