'Why are we still dealing with racial classification?' Young voter's pre-election thoughts

Clarence Ford speaks to Donay October, Political Studies Graduate from University of the Western Cape (UWC).

29 May 2024 will be Donay October's first time casting her vote in the South African elections.

What will she be voting for?

Struggling to find a political party October's proud of, she says she is resorting to each political party's policy to help her make her final decision.

October says, education, economic development, healthcare, social justice, equality, environmental sustainability and governance and accountability are top priorities for a winning policy and her vote.

"When it comes to the political party I'm voting for, there's a lot of factors that has to be taking into consideration. It's all about my values and finding a political party with policies aligning with that."

- Donay October, Young South African Voter

"None of these political parties align with what I stand for... In order for me to decide who I will vote for, it comes back to their stance and what their policies are all about."

"Because when we look at policies, there's isn't something that is dealt with when it comes to governance and accountability because people in government do not want to take accountability for many things which falls under the challenges of South Africa."

- Donay October, Young South African Voter

October also adds this question to her list of considerations: 'why are we still dealing with racial classification?'

Parties are not dealing with the legacy of Apartheid effectively, especially when it comes to their manifestos, believes October.

"For myself, as a young person, it's sad how the citizens of our country tend to accept things just because it became a norm. For example, why are we still dealing with racial classification? It derives from Apartheid so why is it still a thing when we apply for jobs or at university... in some spaces it's compulsory to classify which race group we fall under. For me, it's important that manifestos consist of looking at the three constitutions we had before 1994 and our current constitution."

- Donay October, Young South African Voter

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation.