'You really can make a difference': Zapiro urges South Africans not to give up on voting
Cartoonist Zapiro says he understands why we’re frustrated with politics but believes local government elections give communities a chance to demand better services and hold leaders accountable.
Sara-Jayne Makwala King
Picture credit: annastills/123rf.com
annastills/123rf.com
So you've lost faith in politics, but don't waste your vote this Wednesday.
That's the message from cartoonist Zapiro.
He says he understands why many South Africans may not feel like voting this week, but believes local government elections offer a real opportunity to bring about change.
"One absolutely can make a difference," he told John Maytham on CapeTalk.
He said voters should look at the candidates standing in their communities and what they have achieved.
"If people do their research and look at who's standing and whether they actually have a track record, whether they are the kinds of people who are not corrupt, whether they will do something about the water and the things that are life and death issues for people, you really can make a difference in local government elections."
But he acknowledged growing frustration among voters who feel that casting their ballot doesn't really affect their lives.
"I understand the disillusionment only too well."
Zapiro said unstable coalitions and politicians who put their own interests first have worsened the situation.
He also criticised smaller parties that use their influence in coalition governments to secure positions and benefits rather than improve services.
"They get their salaries, and then they're sometimes kingmakers, and then they're just doing what they want for themselves."
However, he argued that local elections were different because decisions made by councillors directly affect people's everyday lives.
"Let's get the lights in our street working. Let's get the water running again. Let's hold people accountable."
Zapiro also looked to the elections in places like Brazil and Serbia, where high voter turnout had caught his attention.
He said South Africans should not underestimate the power of their vote, even when they feel disappointed by political leaders.
"Use that thing that you have is powerful."