By Doreen Mokgolo
As the election season hots up, Thembeka Dliwako, known as “Indlondlo Yamarally” – Queen of the Political Rallies – has become well known for attending political events in her search for a party that addresses her concerns, especially regarding student funding.
The 21-year-old Pietermaritzburg resident is studying Human Resources Management at Mnambitha TVET College in Ladysmith.
She has attended the manifesto launches at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban of the EFF and the ANC and has also attended uMkhonto Wesizwe rallies, in the hope of finding a party which can provide solutions to the funding issues faced by students at TVET colleges.
In the process, she has become a new kind of “influencer”, with political parties inviting her to attend their rallies, where she poses for photos with politicians.
Thembeka shared with Scrolla.Africa her reasons for attending the rallies.
“When I heard that the ANC leadership would launch their manifesto in the area I decided to attend, hoping they would outline their plans to tackle student funding challenges,” she said.
Thembeka and some of her fellow students have been left without funding since the second semester of last year, with no clear solution in sight.
As the daughter of unemployed parents, she relies on her aunt, who receives a disability grant, to pay her monthly rent of R1,000 for private accommodation.
Often, she finds herself unable to afford groceries, having to rely on the kindness of relatives to get by.
As a first-time voter, Thembeka remains unconvinced so far by any political party’s manifesto.
She believes that the track record of the parties in power, both nationally and provincially, leaves much to be desired. She mentioned ongoing issues like load shedding, gender-based violence, student funding, unemployment and the lack of access to education.
“There is a lot to consider. Unfortunately, we can no longer vote emotionally but must weigh up whether those we are electing to power will deliver on their promises,” she said.
Pictured above: Thembeka Dliwako.
Image source: Supplied
