Youth of Unity party emerges in Mayibuye ahead of crucial local elections

With local government elections expected later this year, Mayibuye-based young political leader Clifford Mokgotho (29) believes the upcoming polls could mark a decisive shift in how communities engage with politics.

“Communities are no longer voting purely out of loyalty; they are voting based on performance and trust,” Mokgotho said. “Local government is where people feel failure most directly: water, electricity, roads, and safety. That is where accountability must start.”

Against this backdrop, growing frustration with traditional political structures has given rise to a new, youth-led political movement in Mayibuye, as young people seek meaningful participation beyond being mobilised during election campaigns.

Read more: Ward 80 councillor vows to contest 2026 local government elections

Mokgotho is a founding member and leader of the newly formed Youth of Unity (You) party, which he says emerged from widespread disillusionment among young people who felt reduced to campaign tools, while their lived realities remained unchanged.

“We wanted to build something from the ground up, rooted in communities, accountable to voters, and not controlled by historical power structures or factional politics.

“Many young people have joined existing political parties with hope, only to realise that real power remains concentrated at the top. In most parties, youth structures exist mainly for mobilisation, not decision-making.”

According to Mokgotho, the You party aims to break from conventional political models by placing communities at the centre of leadership and policy-making. “We are community-first, not leader-first. Leadership is earned through service, not connections. We focus on practical, local solutions, rather than national slogans, and we believe in shared responsibility, where communities actively shape policy.”

Also read: Potholes push Midrand Ward 132 to breaking point as residents demand urgent action

In Mayibuye Ward 110, where residents continue to grapple with persistent service delivery challenges, Mokgotho said community engagement has been both frank and encouraging. Residents have raised concerns ranging from frequent power outages and ongoing water challenges, to traffic congestion caused by the need for a second entrance into the area, as well as broader infrastructure issues.

Despite widespread frustration with politics, Mokgotho urged young people not to disengage. “Your frustration is valid. Politics has failed many young people, but walking away only leaves decisions in the hands of those who benefit from the current system. Change does not come from waiting for perfect leaders; it comes from ordinary people stepping forward.”

For now, You’s focus remains firmly on local government, which Mokgotho described as the foundation of everyday life. “That is where daily life is shaped. We believe in building credibility and trust at community level first.”

While the party may consider expanding into provincial and national politics in the future, Mokgotho stressed that this would only happen once it is firmly rooted in genuine community support.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!