“Young people must show up in numbers to vote,” urges Mashatile

Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, says if young people don’t vote, they are giving away the control of their future.

Mashatile delivered the Public Lecture on the 30 Years Celebration of South Africa’s Democracy at UJ yesterday.

He says the young people are the future of this country and should head to the booths on May 29 and help shape the country’s political landscape.

Mashatile also spoke about the strides that have so far been made in tackling historical injustice.

“The government has made significant progress in addressing socio-economic inequalities through social-welfare programs in housing, healthcare, education and social services,” he told the crowd gathered at the institution.

He says many people have paid the price for this democracy, and many have not lived to see it.

“As we commemorate 30 years of freedom and democracy, we must emulate our predecessors by steadfastly pursuing and safeguarding the achievements of our freedom and democracy.”

South Africans will be heading to the polls on 29 May, in what has been termed as hotly contested elections.

“As we embark on the election campaign, we urge universities, political parties, labour unions, civil society, faith-based organisations, and student bodies to protect and secure our democracy, not only for the current generation but for generations to come,” said the Deputy President.

He says he believes the ANC will emerge victorious, once again, 30 years after it was first voted into power.

Mashatile also touched on the importance of education and how the country’s system needs to be aligned with international standards that will be beneficial for young people.

He added that investing in infrastructure is one of the ways to bring down high levels of unemployment.

Mashatile once again promised South Africans that the government would be able to end load shedding this year.

He says Electricity Minister, DR Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has made significant progress in making that a reality.

“I would like to assure you that plans are in place nationally to ensure that load shedding is ended this year.”

South Africans meanwhile took to Twitter reacting to what the Deputy President said.

Do u think the #ANC Government ministers talk to each other. Paul Mashatile says #loadshedding will be done with by the end of 2024. The minister of Ekectricity says he doesn’t know when loadsheding will end. #Isdontverstaan#istheonehandnottalkingtotheother#whoshouldwebelieve

— Sandy Scott (@sand94899) April 9, 2024

Lot of lies in this country. Paul Mashatile says loadshedding will be gone at the end of the year. Here we told of stage 16. Which is which!!

— Bonginkosi Dindo (@BonginkosiDindo) April 9, 2024

Paul Mashatile says loadshedding will end this year and yet I haven’t heard minister of electricity allude to that? Maybe I missed it🤷‍♀️. Mind boggling

— Leratoche (@leratoche) April 9, 2024

Brilliant sense of humour you have @PaulMashatile 🤔 https://t.co/qrQsjWLiCj

— Zan Robinson (@ZanRobinson2) April 9, 2024

Paul Mashatile is promising to end loadshedding by the end of the year 😂 😂

I don’t think that ANC people are aware that next month it’s general elections. Kulele kunye nje.

— HLUBI (@Black_promoZAR) April 9, 2024