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Youth Ambassador for the IEC
In February of 2009, I was delighted and honoured at having been appointed by the Independent Electoral Commission as one of their Youth Ambassadors for 2009.
It is the first time that the IEC has decided to use young people to spread the message about the importance of voting as a fundamental cornerstone of democracy. Our task is to encourage young people to actively participate in what are certainly the most scintillating elections we’ve had in a long time.
The IEC reports that the youth have registered to vote in record numbers, but the biggest challenge is to ensure that we make it to the polls on the 22nd of April. History shows that the young people have a tendency of not rocking up on voting day.
What I find very exciting about the initiative is the IEC’s decision to include young people who are employed by the IEC as Ambassadors alongside young public figures. Sharing stories with young people who are truly on the frontlines of one of the most important activities we engage in as a society has been an enlightening experience. Imagine being in your early 20s, working for the IEC in Limpopo, and spending your days respectfully coercing farm owners into letting you address their black workers on what voting means… and in Afrikaans, nogal! The people who make our democracy work don’t get the credit they deserve, even at the best of times.
For us lowly celebrities, who include people such as Natalie du Toit, Zama Ngcobo, Danny K, Louise Carver, Thomas Msengana, and Relo Tsotetsi, the responsibility that we have accepted is to use the platforms we have at our disposal to encourage those who are willing to listen to make their X on the ballot paper when the time comes.
All of the Ambassadors took an oath to remain politically neutral for the year that we will serve as Ambassadors.
Imagine yours truly not being able to publicly express my personal opinions on JZ, Malema and COPE. Arrrrghhh! But I’m holding on. At least, I’ve got a ready excuse when political parties come knocking looking for a celeb endorsement.
Fan Comments
December 24, 2009, 10:29:04 : Amos Mokoena
Morning Lebo,
I met you yesterday at centurion mall at game and I greeted and your response was very warm and welcoming, you are truelly an inspiration to our culture as African's and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a MARRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR :-)
November 18, 2009, 10:27:50 : morule motlhaloga
Mornign Lebo i am also on facebook. I am a teacher by profession and love of kids. Will you please come to or school to give a talk or speech on how Girls needs to look after themselves and how should boys treat gilrs. Yes i will admit that we spoke to them but listening to the same people all the time it does not sink in wholeheartedly. Will you please answer this please, it will only happen next year.PLEASE ANSWER.
October 10, 2009, 16:23:36 : Priscilla Modiba
hey bachie i share the same sentiment
July 24, 2009, 11:44:31 : Sikhululwe Ntsiko
I luv u Lebo and i voted!It was my frst time as i'm 19 ths year.All thgh i was cnfsd at frst on wht party desrvd my X.I fnlly made a dcsion because my vote is my voice and expression!Mwah
July 13, 2009, 14:27:46 : Retshedisitswe Kevin Lubane
Im kinda confused , what makes one a good poet?
May 19, 2009, 15:47:26 : makgati peter
i rly luv ur poetry sis lebza it is rly insprng
May 15, 2009, 12:08:24 : Achie Mfanuzile Kubhayi
My name is Achie Mfanuzile Kubhayi. I submitted two poems on the last week of April and was told that I'd receive an update via SMS or e-mail after the approval which it is said to be taking twelve to twentyfour hours. Up to this far, I'm waiting...... I therefore wish to know the reason why.
April 11, 2009, 21:08:19 : Kananelo Mofokeng
Now I regret for not registering to vote..
April 7, 2009, 16:53:26 : Yolanda Sineke
AM one of the youths that will be at the polls for the first time come the 22nd of April: voting for the change and democracy I want to see!
April 6, 2009, 18:46:53 : Dené Du Rand
so true. . .we are after all the future.
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