Are South Africans ready for Wednesday’s national election?

“Since hearing that political parties will be launching their election manifestos, I decided to attend these events. I wanted to hear for myself which president would address our needs as college students. It’s my first time voting” – Thembeka Dliwako, South African voter

In today’s podcast, Mpho Lakaje sits down with 21-year-old Thembeka Dliwako, who will be voting for the very first time in her life.

In her country, she’s popularly known as “Nomarally”, loosely translated as, “The lady of the rallies”.

That’s because, in recent months she’s been doing something rather unusual.

She’s been traveling to different parts of the country, attending the political rallies of various parties, wanting to hear for herself what leaders have to offer.

Mpho also visits Johannesburg attorney, Oatlhotse Thupayatlase who voted for the first time back in 1994, in an election that marked the end of apartheid.

Is he still as excited about casting his ballot as he was 30 years ago?

Approximately 27 million South Africans are eligible to vote in the watershed general election on Wednesday.