Three generations of Mandelas were at the Mvezo polling station this morning when my mom Nolusapho Mandela, my wife Nosekeni Rabia Mandela and I accompanied by our children got election day off to an early start. We want to send a message to all South Africans to do likewise and to take your grandparents, aunts and uncles, neighbours and friends to cast their vote. This sets a good example to our children who will learn from an early age the value and importance of casting your ballot.
In July this year we witnessed events that shook our democracy to its roots. We must as a collective protect our democracy and defend our hard-earned gains. We can best do this by coming out en masse and casting our ballots. The health of our democracy depends on it and it will instill in the hearts and minds of our children the seriousness of voting.
There is no secret about whom the Mandelas voted for and whom we will vote for in future. What matters is that all eligible South Africans that are registered to vote must do so today and demonstrate that we are serious; together, we can build better communities.
Nkosi Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela, chief of the Mvezo Traditional Council and grandson of famed South African President Nelson Mandela. Member of Parliament (MP) South Africa National Assembly. All articles by Nkosi Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela
