Young voters divided ahead of 2026 elections

Young people at TVET College Lehurutshe Campus in Zeerust say they are torn between hope and frustration as South Africa gears up for the 2026 local government elections.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on Tuesday launched its annual Tertiary Institutions Campaign on campus, aiming to boost voter registration and civic education among students.

The initiative targets young voters ahead of the much-anticipated 2026 polls and was launched in March 2022 in partnership with the University of the Witwatersrand.

The campaign forms part of the IEC’s broader effort to reverse declining youth voter turnout and address low registration rates among young people.

But while students attended the activation in large numbers, their responses revealed a generation wrestling with whether their vote truly matters.

Kgalalelo Wuhl, 23, from Relebone Farm near Zeerust, believes campaigns like this are necessary to shift perceptions.

“Most young people think elections are only for those who are politically active. Bringing this campaign to TVET colleges empowers us with knowledge about our rights and responsibilities. It can help change mindsets and encourage more students to participate,” she said.

For others, however, the message does not resonate.

Thabang Mosiane, 22, from Setlagole village outside Mahikeng, said voting no longer feels like a pathway to change.

“I voted in the past national and provincial elections because I believed my vote would improve my life. But many communities are still facing poverty, high unemployment, poor service delivery, and inequality. Even here on campus, we struggle with access to clean water. That makes it hard to believe that voting will fix these problems,” he said.

Addressing students, IEC Commissioner Glen Mashinini encouraged young people to take ownership of the country’s future.

“Youth voting in large numbers can sway elections. Change can only happen if young people stop sitting back and start acting. Increasing youth voter turnout is critical, and we believe this campaign will help grow participation in the next elections,” he said.

The commission also reminded students that in the upcoming elections, voters will only be allowed to cast their ballots at the voting station where they are registered. Students were urged to verify and update their registration details ahead of election day.