Alexandra’s young voters share hopes for Johannesburg ahead of 2026 elections

As young residents across the Alex News distribution area prepare for the 2026 local government elections, they share their views on voting, the challenges facing South Africa’s youth and the changes they want to see in Johannesburg. From tackling unemployment and improving education to creating safer, cleaner communities and strengthening service delivery, these young voices reflect their hopes for the city’s future and the role they believe they can play in shaping it.

Ahead of the November 4 Local Government Elections, Johannesburg North journalists spoke to 240 young people aged between 18 and 36 across seven communities – Alexandra, Fourways, Midrand, Northcliff, Randburg, Rosebank and Sandton – to gauge their attitudes towards voting, democracy and municipal leadership.

Despite widespread disillusionment, 75% of young residents plan to cast their ballots, viewing their vote as an essential tool to demand accountability rather than a passive duty. Turnout intention peaks in Alexandra at 89.5%, where registration hurdles, rather than political apathy, remain the main barrier for non-voters.

Youth unemployment stands out as the greatest crisis, cited by 71.7% of respondents as their top concern, followed closely by chronic infrastructure breakdowns in water and electricity supply. Political discourse has moved online, with TikTok (38.3%) and Facebook (28.8%) driving political opinions for more than two-thirds of young voters.

However, a steep civic literacy gap persists. While more than 75% of suburban youth recognise Executive Mayor Dada Morero, recognition drops to 31.6% in Alexandra.

Ultimately, young voters are demanding action over political promises, prioritising youth employment pathways, basic infrastructure repairs and community safety for Johannesburg’s next administration.

These were the questions we asked:

1. Name, age, sex, race and highest level of education
2. Will you be voting on November 4 or not? Why?
3. What is the most important issue to you facing the youth of today?
4. Have you voted before?
5. If you were of voting age at the last election, but did not vote, and will be voting this time, what has changed to make you want to vote?
6. If you were of voting age at the last election, but DID vote, and won’t be voting this time, what has changed to make you NOT want to vote?
7. What social media platform drives your political opinion most?
8. Do you understand local government properly?
9. Can you name the current mayor?
10. Can you name your ward councillor?
11. If you were Mayor of Johannesburg, what is the first thing you would do?

Mzwandile Mnisi

1.21, male, black, education: Grade 10

2. Yes, I love a certain political party, and I believe that if I vote for it, it will bring change.

3. Substance abuse is affecting a lot of young people. It is really destroying people’s lives. The people we grew up with are getting affected a lot.

4. No, I just did not vote

5. As I said, there is a political party I believe can change our situation.

6. Not Applicable.

7. Facebook

8. No

9. I would deal with the substance abuse.
Siphokuhle Mpanza

10. Can you name the current mayor?
No.

11. Can you name your ward councillor?
No.

Andiswa Puleng Nkosi

1. 19, female, black, Grade 12/Matric

2. Yes, as youth, we are experiencing unemployment and there is political party i think can give us opportunities.
   
3. Unemployment and the high cost of living. We have rent to pay, food to buy, and transport to travel, but we are not getting any raise when it comes to stipends and salaries.
   
4. No
   
5. Not applicable.
   
6. Not Applicable.
   
7. Facebook and WhatsApp
   
8. No

9. Can you name the current mayor?
   No
   
10. Can you name your ward councillor?
    No
    
11. If you were the Mayor of Johannesburg, what is the first thing you would do?
    The first I would do is create platforms where they can raise their issues and websites where they can apply for job opportunities.

Mesivuye Ngqole

1. 25, male, black, Matric

2. Yes, I am voting for a change. I want to see some change in our economy.
   
3. The issue of safety; vulnerable young people should be protected. The future depends on them. In this economy, some need to be provided for, so that they do not feel the weight of socio-economic issues facing young people.
   
4. Yes, I was in love with a certain political party.
   
5. If you were of voting age at the last elections, but did not vote, and will be voting this time, what has changed to make you want to vote? Not applicable.
   
6. If you were of voting age at the last election, but DID vote, and won’t be voting this time, what has changed to make you NOT want to vote? Not Applicable.
   
7. What social media platform drives your political opinion most?
   Facebook.
   
8. Do you understand local government properly?
   No

9. Can you name the current mayor?
   No.
   
10. Can you name your ward councillor?
    No.
    
11. If you were Mayor of Johannesburg, what is the first thing you would do?
    First, I would go house to house, checking up on the poor families to provide free goods and services to them.

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