Herman Mashaba gave strong advice to voters, telling them to accept any cash offered but not to sell their votes. He said, “I advise all the voters, take the cash and run. When you are in IEC booth, don’t sell the future of your children with proceeds of crime.” He warned clearly that voting for money is like accepting a crime’s reward, and it hurts not only the voters but their families too.
Mashaba made it clear that the future of one’s children is priceless and should never be traded for a small amount of money like R2,000. He said, “Your future can’t be worth R2k,” reminding people that the short-term gain isn’t worth giving up on what lies ahead. He believes that voters are being insulted when they are offered cash to influence their votes, as if they have no value beyond the money on the table.
He wants voters to know that accepting money but voting freely is a way to fight back. “They are insulting you and your family,” Mashaba said, pointing out that vote-buying is an attack on people’s dignity and the hopes they have for their children. He believes that by refusing to sell their votes, people can “teach them a lesson” and show that this kind of behavior will not be accepted.
With this message, Mashaba urges everyone to protect their rights and the future of their families. He encourages voters to take the money but then make their own choice in the voting booth without letting anyone control them. His words serve as an important reminder that the power of voting should never be sold for a small payoff and that loyalty to the future is more valuable than any quick cash.