A little boy with big hopes for a safer Cape Flats has captured hearts after making his own identity document because he wants to vote for ActionSA’s mayoral candidate Dereleen James.
Nine-year-old Ethan from Mitchells Plain is not old enough to vote, but that hasn’t stopped him from having his say.
In a video circulating on Facebook, the youngster is seen showing off his makeshift ID while telling James that he wants to vote for her.
The boy believes James can help put a stop to the crime and gangsterism plaguing communities on the Cape Flats.
James, who has made fighting crime and improving community safety central to her political campaign, has previously emphasised the need to address the conditions that allow criminality and gangsterism to thrive.
She said: “I was doing a walkabout in Mitchells Plain when I met Ethan’s mom and she told me about her son who had made a makeshift ID.
“I then decided to follow the mother to her home, and that’s when I met Ethan and I saw his makeshift ID.
“The entire experience felt unreal and it really warmed my heart to see young people wanting change in their communities.”
The ActionSA candidate says safer communities require more than policing, pointing to the importance of improved service delivery, opportunities for young people and addressing drug abuse. She said: “We have been fighting crime in the Cape, and that’s where my passion lies. I will continue showing up and serving the community.
“Seeing a 9-year-old look up to me has motivated me to continue fighting the scourge of crime and gangsterism.”
While Ethan will have to wait several years before he can officially vote, his homemade ID and heartfelt declaration have given James a memorable reminder of the expectations that ordinary residents, including children, have for those in power.
Despite not being able to officially make his mark at the ballot box, his homemade ID has already made a statement.
IOL reached out to Ethan’s family but they did not respond in time.