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

As young residents across the Randburg Sun 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?

China Moduta Malome

I will vote; as a young person, my vote will make a difference. The biggest issues we as the youth currently face is that young people lack skills and face high unemployment.

Neliswa Faith

No, I am not voting. I think it is a waste of time for me, even though I have voted before. I will not vote this time as there is no change. There is a lot. Crime, unemployment, and drug and alcohol use.

Charlse Hlongo

Yes I will be voting. I believe it is the right I have to exercise, but other than that, there is nothing much. The biggest issue young people are facing unemployment. If I was mayor, I’ll fix and change the state of Joburg. Take over the hijacked and unoccupied buildings.

Mzu Mkhize

I will vote and hope for change. I am voting again; it is important to have a say. It starts with casting a vote and electing the leaders and parties I trust. Unemployment is a big issue for the youth.

Thibakhoana Serame

I will vote this year, it will be my first time voting. If I was the mayor of Joburg, I would create job opportunities and fix up the city.

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