I remember the time when I was a preschooler (or thereabouts) and my parents went to vote. It was a grand occasion for all concerned and the folks were all abuzz with enthusiasm. Dad wore his best suit, with a neck tie, cufflinks the works. Mom bought a new dress especially for the occasion - a beautiful red chiffon affair that made her look like a princess straight out of a fairytale. No, they weren’t councilors or parliamentarians or members of any hobnob society clique, just ordinary citizens. At the time I didn’t have a clue what the voting thing was all about, I was too young to understand, but what has remained with me ever since is the profound sense of duty and pride they had at being able to vote. Wouldn’t it be great if this sense of duty and pride could be restored in our society instead of the “couldn’t care less” attitude some people have adopted. There is no need to dress up like the old folks. Whether we go and vote in plakkies and a T-shirt or our Sunday best, it doesn’t matter. Let’s just make the effort to go and vote! At least those who exercise their right and make their mark on the ballot paper will be able to say “I tried to make a difference or “I did make a difference.”

To read the rest of the article, please open it with the iNews app. You can download the app here: