Yesterday ,15 April , all South africans living abroad who had applied for a special vote could vote at foreign mission nearest to them. I have voted in every election since I was able to at 18. My first elction was the first election where every South African could vote be they white , black , coloured or Indian. Thats why i make a point of voting. Not only because I want to have my say and be part of the running of my country, but also because people have fought to vote. Can you imagine being a black South African up to 1994 and your opinion was irrelevant. You had no say.I was so happy when all of us living abroad could have our say if we so chose and were registered voters. I set out with a friend and with child and was flabbergasted when the voting queue at 10 in the morning was extended all around the one side of Trafalgar Square!
The atmosphere was great and everyone felt like they were part of something great. In the middle of London all 7400 South africans joined together to make our mark.
It was fairly hot (what are the odds!!) and Lily fell asleep on me. Jacki then took her from me but when a lovely official saw her struggling with 2 children he told her to call me and I was escorted to the special voting room where the elderly , pregnant and those with young children were voting.
I have a lovely big black mark on my thumb and I am proud. its my feeling that you really have no place to moan if you did not vote and I am proud to have taken my vote and used it wisely.
6 comments:
Congratulations on exercising your right to vote!!!
I hope the election results on April 22nd, bring wonderful, brilliant people to power!
Best of luck!
;o)
- Lee
It is great that you managed to vote... we unfortunately did not ~:( As you rightly mentioned that if one doesn't vote, in effect you cannot moan about things back in SA... Here's hoping for the best and a positive outlook for our beloved SA... Hugs, xx
YAY!!! Well done on voting!! looks like it was quite the event.
It's great to be a proud South African!
Well done my dearest - you make me proud.. Stay tuned for my earth-shattering political views, to be posted on the 20th!
Thats my girl! I was so excited when I bought the Argus and on the front page they had a picture of lots of folk queuing and I think the one was Sandi. I told Veronica but I don't know if she saw it. Mum xxxx
Good for you. Every vote matters and the fact that you went to so much effort to do so makes it matter more!
It surprises me, or perhaps it does not, that so many South Africans all over the world care so much still for the land of their birth.
We know it is special. You can't get it out of your heart.
So every vote is a validation for a great land. A great country that we will not let go of easily!
And whether the party of your choice wins or not, at least you cared enough to have your say!
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