‘Your voting thumb is free’: Freebies for those who vote in local government elections - News24

Popular retail brands and restaurant franchises are sweetening the deal for those voting in the local government elections by rewarding them with a host of freebies.

Wimpy is offering free regular coffee to those who show their inked thumbs, and Krispy Kreme is giving away original glazed doughnuts.

Spur Steak Ranches are rewarding those who make their marks with ice cream when they order any main meal, and Vovo Telo is offering free cappuccinos to voters who orer meals.

Hennies restaurant and sports bar branches are offering complimentary drinks, including a Coca-Cola (zero and regular), Castle Free, Castle Lager, and Brutal Fruit L’Orange Rossa Infused bottles, to voters.

The Station Parkhurst establishment in Johannesburg is offering free coffee, and Tiger’s Milk is giving away 300ml Castle Lite drinks.

Hudsons is offering thirsty voters a free Carling Black Label.

Del Forno is running a special: a 19 cm pizza and a 330 ml Pepsi for R49, and Sorbet is offering a 10% discount on any manicure on 4 and 5 November under the slogan: “Pay for nine fingers, your voting thumb is free.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela has called on all eligible students and young people to vote in the local government elections.

“For some students, these elections will be their first opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote. The minister has encouraged them to embrace this responsibility and recognise the significance of a right that was secured through generations of struggle and sacrifice,” his spokesperson, Matshepo Seedat, has said.

“As the minister responsible for higher education and training, he emphasised that education should equip young people with the skills and capacity to think critically, understand their rights and responsibilities, and participate meaningfully in society.”

According to Seedat, Manamela has urged students not to allow frustration, disappointment or cynicism to convince them that their participation does not matter.

Manamela has added: “You have the right to question. You have the right to disagree. You have the right to demand better. And you have the right to choose who you believe should represent you. But with these rights comes the responsibility to participate.”

“[Democracy] is sustained by citizens who participate in it. Young people are an important part of our society, and your experiences, aspirations and concerns matter, and so does your participation.”

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