Sandton youth voters share hopes for Johannesburg ahead of 2026 elections

As young residents across the Sandton Chronicle 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?

Gomolemo Mosaka

1. 19, male, black, Matric.

2. Yes, I will be voting, to try and make an impact, even though it’s just one vote, it’s still worth it and will make a difference.

3. Unemployment

4. No

5. Not applicable

6. Not applicable

7. TikTok

8. I understand, but not fully

9. No

10. No

11. Clean up Joburg CBD.

Siphokuhle Mpanza

1. Male, black, Advanced Diploma in Journalism

2. Yes, I will be voting. I believe voting is the only way our voices as youth can be heard and to hold leaders accountable for service delivery.

3. Unemployment. Too many young graduates with diplomas and degrees are sitting at home with no opportunities. We need more jobs, skills programs, and support for youth-owned businesses.

4. No, I have not voted before.

5. Not applicable.

6. Not applicable, I am voting this time because I still believe change is possible.

7. Twitter/X and TikTok. That’s where I see political debates, news clips, and what young people are actually saying.

8. To some extent, yes. I understand that local government is responsible for basic services like water, electricity, roads, waste collection, and housing in our communities.

9. Yes

10. Yes

11. The first thing I would do is tackle youth unemployment by creating more internship, learnership, and EPWP opportunities, and partner with businesses to fund youth entrepreneurs. Clean up the city and fix service delivery in townships at the same time.

Tinisha Lee Mohamed

1. 19, female, Indian, Matric.

2. Yes, we need to vote for change.

3. Lack of opportunities like engagement programmes for the youth and unemployment.

4. No

5. Not applicable

6. Not applicable

7. TikTok

7. No

8. No

9. No

10. Fix the road infrastructure and add more community engagement programmes for the youth.

Soha Boodhram

1. 18, Indian, Matric

2. Most probably, the change that we need to see in our communities and to hold those in power accountable.

3. Unemployment

4. No

5. Not Applicable

6. Not Applicable

7. TikTok

7. Not fully, but to a certain extend

8. No

9. No

10. Work on the roads and fix potholes.

Lemmy Ledwaba

1.22, male, black, matric.

2. Yes

3. Unemployment

4. Yes

5. Not applicable

6. Not applicable

7. TikTok

8. Yes, but not fully

9. Yes

10. No

11. Fix the infrastructure.

Amelia Lamé

1.21, Female, white, Matric

2. Yes

3. Unemployment

4. No

5. Not applicable

6. Not applicable

7. Instagram

8.Yes, but not properly

9. No

10. No

11. Fix unemployment.

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