South Africa has just come out of another election, but while millions of people made their way to the polling stations, there were many others who deliberately chose to stay away. And that decision has once again brought the question of voter apathy into the spotlight. Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi has been at the centre of a heated public debate after openly stating that he intentionally did not vote. His comments have attracted strong reactions, with some questioning how anyone who understands the country's political history and the sacrifices made for democracy could choose not to exercise their democratic right. But Ndlozi is certainly not alone. There are South Africans from different backgrounds, including highly educated and politically conscious citizens, who have become so disillusioned with the political system that they no longer see the value in voting. So, what happens when citizens no longer believe that their vote can change anything? Is this a protest against political parties, a rejection of the political establishment, or simply a growing sense of hopelessness about the country's future? Tonight, we speak to someone who deliberately chose not to vote and bring in political analysts to unpack what is driving this disengagement, what it says about the state of our democracy, and whether political parties should be worried about an electorate that is increasingly choosing to stay away.

<p>South Africa has just come out of another election, but while millions&nbsp;of people made their way to the polling stations, there were many&nbsp;others who deliberately chose to stay away. And that decision has&nbsp;once again brought the question of voter apathy into the spotlight. Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi has been at the centre of a heated public&nbsp;debate after openly stating that he intentionally did not vote. His&nbsp;comments have attracted strong reactions, with some questioning&nbsp;how anyone who understands the country's political history and the&nbsp;sacrifices made for democracy could choose not to exercise their&nbsp;democratic right. But Ndlozi is certainly not alone. There are South&nbsp;Africans from different backgrounds, including highly educated and&nbsp;politically conscious citizens, who have become so disillusioned with&nbsp;the political system that they no longer see the value in voting.&nbsp;So, what happens when citizens no longer believe that their vote&nbsp;can change anything? Is this a protest against political parties, a&nbsp;rejection of the political establishment, or simply a growing sense of&nbsp;hopelessness about the country's future? Tonight, we speak to&nbsp;someone who deliberately chose not to vote and bring in political&nbsp;analysts to unpack what is driving this disengagement, what it says&nbsp;about the state of our democracy, and whether political parties&nbsp;should be worried about an electorate that is increasingly choosing&nbsp;to stay away.</p>

<p>METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope </p>