Three youngsters have shared contrasting views on what the local government elections on November 4 mean to them.

For 32-year-old Bekkersdal resident Selo Mekosi will not be heading to the polls. He does not believe meaningful change will come from voting and admitted that he has not yet read the manifestos of the various political parties.

For 27-year-old Westergloor resident Taylor Wood, who will be casting her ballot for the fourth time, voting is about having a direct say in how her community is run.

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Wood highlighted intermittent electricity supply, water cuts, crime, and unemployment as some of the key issues affecting her area.

“Young people should take the opportunity to vote and make their voices heard,” she said, adding that communities need leaders who will address local issues and remain accountable to residents.

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Luthando Mpanjukelwa is looking forward to voting for the first time.

Mpanjukelwa said he has done his own research and intends to support a party whose values align with his own, including what he described as Christian values.

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“The chaos and all the horrible things happening in our country should not discourage people, but motivate us to take real action – and honestly, it all starts at the ballot box,” he said.

These three perspectives highlight the varied attitudes young people hold toward local elections – ranging from scepticism over whether voting can bring change to viewing the ballot as an opportunity to shape their communities.