Youth vote will matter in 2026 local government elections
According to authorities, the youth vote matters as they are future government leaders.
This year has seen the build-up of political campaigns for next year’s local government elections which is expected to take place in November, with the youth vote being the central point of discussion.
Voter education campaigns are often held by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) from time to time, however, it has noticed a decline in the youth vote and has lamented it for the future of the country.
Next year’s local government elections is important in measuring further performance of the youth vote compared to previous years, as it was noticed the youth are increasingly becoming apathetic.
Authorities say the youth vote matters as they are the future government leaders, so they are urged to cast their votes to determine the government of the country.
The IEC held a voter education symposium at Nyenyezi Esayidi TVET College Campus in Boboyi recently, to empower youth voices and to drive their participation in the 2026 elections.
According to provincial electoral officer, Ntombifuthi Masinga, there has been a decrease in youth participation in elections. She added that it raised a question whether this reflected youth apathy or lack of confidence in the system of democracy to meet their needs, since the youth now believe that basic needs are more important than democracy.
Provincial deputy director for the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Sanelisiwe Mnyandu said: “We are here to plead with the youth, we are trying to get them on the voters’ roll and to participate in the elections. Our numbers show that youth participation keeps on decreasing, but they make up 60% of the country.”
She added as much as they are a large number, their participation in the elections does not even reach the 40% mark.
Assistant director at Government Communications and Information Systems, Vuyolwethu Gwala, said that the symposium aimed to give a voice to young people.
“These events allow youth to engage with different stakeholders, so that they can be informed about certain issues and the important role they can play during elections.”
Civil Society Forum chairperson, Thabani Khalala, said they encourage youth to vote during government elections because it’s the only way to make their voices heard.
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