South Africa's fourth democratic elections are just around the corner. These are the most exciting, if not important, elections since 1994. The country has achieved so much and we continue to set new standards for ourselves.

The build-up to the elections has been exceptional and, with 28 parties contesting the elections, voters are spoilt for choice.

We asked some South African celebrities whether they would be voting and, if so, what these elections mean to them.

Gareth Cliff

Gareth Cliff a radio personality from 5FM will be voting, he knows which party he'll be voting for and he wants to use his vote to "bring balance to our democracy".

"These elections are significant; they will determine our prosperity or decline."

To those still doubtful about the value of voting Cliff says: "I say that your personal despair only worsens the problem. Snap out of it and make a difference."

Mzwandile Stick

Mzwandile Stick, captain of the Rugby 7s, said: "You know, I'm not into politics and these elections are just like any other elections. I will be voting and I know which party I'll be voting for."

Sticks said that the first time he voted he did not look for any party, he simply wrote his X next to the ANC. "When I was growing up I only knew of the ANC and it wasn't about the presidential candidate it was about the party," said Sticks.

Sticks says that the ANC faces a tough challenge this time because of the formation of Cope. "The DA may capitalise on this and the competition will be between the ANC, DA and Cope."

"I'm looking forward to the elections. We want change."

Duncan Woods

SA Waterpolo player Duncan Woods is also hoping for change. "I will be voting because you can't complain if you don't vote. I am trying to be part of the change by exercising my right."

Woods was quick to point out that the opposition is not a threat. "Judging from the numbers they won't make much impact. We are a one-sided nation." Woods believes that the next generation will do away with voting according to race.

"I would like to exercise my right. Although it's just one vote, I intend on using it."

Tatum Keshwar

Miss SA 2008 Tatum Keshwar had this to say: "Definitely, I'll be voting because these are the most important elections since 1994. It is very exciting and I feel the need to be part of that. Voting is my way of voicing my opinion."

Miss SA said that she has a good idea of which party she will be voting for. "It's important to be sure when you are voting. These elections mean so much ? the political landscape indicates that our democracy is reaching a new level."

Miss SA believes that these elections will mark a turning-point regardless of who wins.

Corne Krige

Corne Krige, former Springbok captain, said: "I will be voting because it's important for everyone. As a country we have many problems and by voting you become part of the solution."

"Others think that one vote can't make a difference to any party but I believe that a single vote can make all the difference."

Krige says all elections are important because you are voting people into power and that will determine the future of this country. He urged people to keep in mind the current global financial crisis while voting because we need leaders who can address the issue and come up with a way forward.

"Opposition parties need to come together and form a strong opposition. We need to strengthen our democracy."

Andrew Brown

Andrew Brown, an advocate, reservist sergeant in the SAPS and the award-winning author of Coldsleep Lullaby has a different approach called "Tough Love". Brown says: "It is difficult to approach the forthcoming national elections without some degree of anxiety and confusion".

"Whilst I accept that a political opposition is important in any democratic system, the position that 'a vote for the DA/Cope/ID is not a vote for the party but a vote for the opposition' is not a credible or intellectually honest position to adopt.

"After some weeks and months of internal struggle, I have reached a conclusion based on the analogy of disciplining an errant child. We discipline by taking away a privilege that they had until then taken for granted, but without turning our back on them or withdrawing our love or loyalty. I am not prepared to turn my back on my party, but I believe that a credible stance is to withhold the privilege that our senior comrades appear to have taken for granted ? our vote."

Lauren Beukes

Lauren Beukes author of Moxyland was ready to shoot from the hip.

"I'll definitely be voting. I really want to vote Mamphele Ramphele for president, but as she is no longer part of the political milieu, I'd either be voting for DA or Cope. I'm leaning towards DA because Cope is yet untested ? although I did donate cash to their campaign, I have high hopes for them, despite running Boesak."

But Lauren is faced with a difficult decision. "It's hard because the DA is pissing me off with their new fear-mongering tack which is even worse than their preposterous "vote to win" campaign. We are harking back to the screechy Tony Leon days of DA-dom when I couldn't vote for them."

Beukes is voting because she still believes in democracy. She believes that every democracy needs different voices with different opinions.

Beukes says voting matters because it's a great equaliser. "You can be a Clifton billionaire or a homeless woman living under a bridge and as long as you have your bar-coded ID, your voice counts equally and it matters."

Beukes went on to say: "These elections are probably the most momentous since 1994 (when I was 17 and three quarters to my huge regret and frustration) because of the split within the ANC which could see them lose their two-thirds majority. It's also the ugliest and nastiest election, which is a reflection of the high stakes, but (is) still sad and pathetic."

Noluthando Meje

Noluthando Meje, actress, Idols contestant in 2003 and talk show host, is a first time voter: "I will be voting because I owe it to those who fought for freedom in South Africa and allowed us opportunities that they never had."

She is not yet sure which party to vote for. Meje says political parties are not doing enough to convince voters, instead they are too busy mocking each other.

Meje says: "By casting my vote it's with the hope that I have done what I can to make sure my party gets enough votes whether they win or not, either way change will happen, be good or bad."

She had this to say to her peers: "It's your voice, your choice. Look (at) what South Africa has become since the 1994 elections, alive with possibilities and opportunities for us the young generation. Let's fight for these opportunities for kids and the future generation. It wasn't easy and still (is) not easy but let's put in the effort."

Whether you are a celebrity or not, your vote could decide the outcome of the election on 22 April. Will you be voting?