‘Tired of voting without seeing change’

… Oshakati’s fruit vendors say they are not enjoying the fruits of independence

Rauna Johannes has been selling fruit and vegetables for a while.

She knows many types of fruit, but not the ones independence was supposed to yield, she says.

Johannes (34) says she will not vote for any party or candidate in the upcoming elections as she does not see the need to do so.
She did not even bother to register.

Johannes is a resident of Ongenga village in the Ohangwena region and sells fruit and vegetables at Oshakati.

“I am tired of voting and not seeing any change in my life. Over the years, I have been looking for employment, but no luck.

“I am a mother of two and unemployed. Life is difficult. I try to sell fruits and vegetables along the road, but the profits earned are never enough to cater for my family,” she says.

With just one month to go before the presidential and National Assembly elections on 27 November, many eligible voters remain disinterested.

Johannes says she believes only a few elite people are enjoying the fruits of independence.

“Why should I vote, and who should I vote for? We have been begging the government to give us jobs, but nothing. As a street vendor, I am constantly facing threats from the council for selling on the street.

“I cannot stay home idle, I need to go out there and make ends meet. Voting is honestly a waste of time,” she says.

Souma Mutota, a resident of Olupumbu village, says she will be selling her fruits and vegetables on election day, as voting will not benefit her in any way.

“I am not voting. I will be busy selling my fruits and vegetables, because if I don’t sell, I will not eat. Let those who have benefited from the government vote. “I have voted in the previous elections and I did not see any change. So now, I do not see a reason to vote, and I am no longer interested in politics,” she says.

Angula Shivute says his vote will not make any difference either.

He says the government has promised the youth many things, but nothing has been realised.

“Unemployment is still high among the youth, and universities are expensive. What difference will the new government make? I honestly don’t think my vote will make any difference.

“Life is already difficult, and it could get even worse after the elections.”