For 25-year-old Nicole Mageza, Election Day isn't just a date on the calendar; it’s a moment she has been waiting her whole life to claim.
On the day she’ll cast her very first ballot in the 2026 Local Government Elections, the Kempton Park resident is clear about why her voice belongs in the booth.
“I want to be part of a collective that makes a difference," she said.
Speaking to SAnews.gov.za hours before making her mark, Mageza said her decision to vote crystallised after watching a clip online that reframed what a single ballot actually means.
“I saw a video of this guy a few days ago who was talking to an audience and he asked that audience to give a round of applause, which they did. Then he went on to explain that voting is just like a round of applause in that no single person can make a round of applause on their own. The difference is made when individuals actually come together, you know?
“So even though my vote is just one vote, I feel like it’s powerful when it’s part of a collective group of people who want to make a difference,” Mageza stated.
She added that stepping into the booth is not an abstract idea but a continuation of the freedom struggle that paved the way for her generation to be born in a democratic country.
“I am able to vote today; I’m able to live where I live today because a group of people came together and fought so that people of my background, people of my race, could have this right, you understand?
“So, history has proven that it works; this works, and I want to be on the side of history where I did actually make the difference rather than sitting back and complaining about the economy or the need for change. I want to be part of the change,” she explained.
Growing up, Mageza was a regular fixture alongside her parents at their local polling stations in Limpopo, watching them participate in South Africa’s post-1994 democracy – a democratic ritual she could only watch from the sidelines until now.
“I’ve stood in those lines with them, and I’ve always wanted that mark, you know, that mark they leave on your thumb. Back then I didn’t fully understand the importance or the impact of voting, but now that I’m grown up, it feels really great.
“I’m proud of myself that I’m actually going out there to make a difference. When I think about how people fought for me to actually be here, it feels like an absolute honour. And, you know, just thinking that maybe 50 years ago I wouldn’t have been able to do so, it makes this just so much more special,” she said.
Optimism and service delivery
Another first-time voter, Nikiwe Ndawonde from Kimberley, reflected Mageza’s optimism about creating change.
“I want democratic change within South Africa but especially here in Galeshewe because things are bad”.
Angelique Abrahams said: “I voted because I want something different. I am glad that I could put my voice out there by voting”.
Another young voter, Tumelo Chiloane, said he cast his vote in the hope that service delivery will be stepped up in his municipality.
“I want the person I voted for to bring changes, especially related to service delivery. We also want to see job creation because we do not have jobs in the townships,” Chiloane said.
Mohlakeng resident, Mpho Malona said: “I am so happy to vote and I’m here for the youth!”.
Voting stations opened at 7am this morning and will remain operational to assist voters until 9pm when they close.
Voters within the boundaries of voting stations will be assisted beyond the closing time. – SAnews.gov.za
