CASTING MY VOTE, EXERCISING MY VOICE

Today is the eve of South Africa’s fifth general elections since the end of apartheid in 1994. Significantly, this event takes place in the year that we commemorate 20 years of democracy and freedom.

During this time, we pay tribute to the giants that dedicated and sacrificed their lives in fighting for change. Sadly, this will be the first free elections that we’ll hold in the absence of our first democratic President, Mr Nelson Mandela.

I’m grateful to have caught a glimpse of the apartheid era and to have lived and grown through transformation because I cannot deny the positive change that I have witnessed. I cannot underestimate the power given to me as a South African citizen in casting my vote.

Some say the mood will not be celebratory tomorrow, as political dynamics have changed and many promises remain unfulfilled.

Despite this negativity, I will be rejoicing as I set off to cast my ballot.

I’ll dedicate my vote to my forefathers who were denied a voice and to our fallen heroes that made today possible.  With this vote, I will be committing to playing an active role in bringing about the desired future.

With this I share this poem I wrote in December 2013, after the passing of our beloved Madiba:

Born in Time

I was born into a nation in turmoil

Made to believe that the colour of my skin made me less of a human

Yet I grew to realise the revolution of defiant spirits that refused to be oppressed

Through isolation, blood and tears they soldiered on towards a dream

Life, being their ultimate compromise

I was in time to learn the true meaning of sacrifice

I lived to meet a great man whose name I was once shunned to ever utter

I heard his distinct voice speak to nations, near and far, like it was never silenced

I saw a nation dance to the rhythm of freedom

Madiba dance, a dance that came with a smile that said “Its okay, I have forgiven”

I lived to see a man that commanded respect with no suit and tie

A man clothed in dignity and grace that said “I’m here, you owe to pay attention”

I was born in time to witness the extraordinary

Where a nation rose in peace

I saw flags wave colours of unity

I saw people stand up to be acknowledged

Their voices became their own and their languages became their signature

At this moment I realised I was born at the right time

To witness the bitter and the sweet, the old and the new

To reap the harvest so many great leaders have sown

I was born in time to carry the legacy.