• Local celebrities are calling on youngsters to vote for change. 
• The celebs say they will be making their mark. 
• Marc Lottering said that, in politics, South African voters were in an abusive relationship. 

Western Cape celebrities called on young people to vote for change in this year’s elections.

Gang violence, crime, unemployment and a lack of education are just some of the issues people on the Cape Flats have to deal with.

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News24 spoke to some celebs who grew up on the Cape Flats during apartheid and had since moved on for various reasons. 

They spoke about what life was like 30 years ago, what had changed in their communities, and what voting for change could do for the area. 

Entertainer and singer Salome Damons-Johansen reflected on her life since leaving Lentegeur, Mitchells Plain, and her decision to vote for change. 

“This was not the area I remember living in when I stayed in Lentegeur with my parents. Crime was never an issue. My sisters and I could play in the streets, walk around late, and not worry about being robbed or a stray bullet hitting us,” she said. 

“It breaks my heart that Mitchells Plain is no longer the safe space it used to be. I remember, growing up, there was always an adult looking out for you, making sure you didn’t get on the wrong side of the law.

“Now, young girls are falling pregnant, teen boys are sitting on the corners of the streets, smoking drugs, and getting involved in a life of crime. This is not what young people should do with their lives. They are so much better than what the area they live in makes them out to be.

“Come on, you guys, we need you, the country needs your vote. You are the change we want to see. A mark for the right party is the change we want for this country. Change starts with you.”

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Comedian Marc Lottering grew up on the streets of Retreat and said that, in politics, South African voters were in an abusive relationship. 

“We are in bed with an abusive partner. On 29 May, we have the opportunity to cast our votes, [and] embark upon a new path. A person is tired of walking around with bruises,” said Lottering.

He continued: 

South African actor and comedian Siv Ngesi said young people had the power to vote.

Speaking to News24 from a conference centre in America, Ngesi said that, before he left last week, he took a flight from Cape Town to Joburg, then drove to Lesotho to cast his vote. 

It took him more than 12 hours to reach his destination, but he put down his X. 

“If I can consciously decide to go out and cast my vote, then young people have no excuse. The change starts with us. We can’t keep complaining about the state of the economy and the leadership that leads us. Go out and vote!

“We need change. The country can become great again. Make the effort and get to the polls; it’s now or never,” Ngesi said.