Election 2024: Choose with your mind, not your heart, political parties say

• Voting is a powerful tool, and every South African has a right to it – so make it count
• Vote for a party that best aligns with the values that are important to you
• Think for yourself and make an informed decision, do not succumb to stereotypes

This year’s election is filled with choices. The IEC reported that one candidate was nominated as an independent, and 42 candidates appeared on more than one of the 39 parties’ lists South Africans can vote for. Representatives of various political parties agree that voting should be an informed, rational decision and not one based on emotion.

On 4 April 2024, representatives from the ANC, VF+, DA, Action SA, and RISE Mzansi talked to students about what they stand for. In an interview with threestreamsmedia before the event, the representatives were asked which criteria they think should guide the decision-making of young voters.

What do the parties have to offer?

First-time voters should make an informed choice and avoid deciding based on hearsay or stereotypes. They should research the parties’ platforms, determine what they offer and plan, and assess whether the plans have merit and could be implemented, Heloïse Denner, VF+ MP, said.

Youth and student chapter convenor Lawrence Manaka from RISE Mzansi said: “Ask yourself what some of the problems are that you are facing as an individual, and what is the first step to change those problems.”

He said all it takes to change things like not having access to water or a place to sleep is to vote for a government that is capable and ethically inclined to address these issues. Voting, in his opinion, is a highly personal matter, and it is the only authority that citizens possess.

What are your values?

Liam Jacobs, federal leader of the Democratic Alliance Students Organisation (DASO) and a DA candidate for parliament, said the first thing he would advise someone to do, is to reflect on their own values, priorities, and idealised vision of the world. Only then should they consider political candidates who share their views and have a track record of delivery.

It’s all about your future 

Nombiselo Sompa-Masiu, a provincial executive committee member of the North-West representing the ANC, said first-time voters should prioritise voting because they will be shaping their futures.

According to Dr Tutu Faleni, who is responsible for higher education in Action SA, said: “Voters have a democratic right and responsibility to vote so that they choose a government which will create a better future for them and that is what they should consider.”

Denner said that young people can influence democracy with a single vote – “so please, don’t stay away”.

• For more information about the parties’ manifestos, visit their websites.