JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — Driving youth participation in local government elections is essential for achieving meaningful ground-level impact, according to civic leaders analyzing the country’s democratic engagement. Mbali Ntuli, Executive Director of the Ground Work Collective, emphasizes that young voters stand to gain the most from municipal polls, even as the nation faces significant systemic challenges regarding voter registration and civic education.
As South Africa approaches the November local government elections, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has reported a concerning trend: over 70% of 18- to 19-year-olds have not yet registered to vote. However, Ntuli argues that framing this as mere youth apathy is a misnomer. Instead, she points to a broader, nationwide decline in voter participation across all age groups, rooted in a fundamental lack of democratic understanding.
The Civic Education Deficit
A primary barrier to electoral engagement is a profound gap in civic education. According to Ntuli, 79% of the population has never received formal voter or civic education. This deficit affects not only the youth but older generations as well, creating a cycle where democratic values and processes are rarely discussed within households or communities.
“Young people are very active and have a lot of activism in our country, but that isn’t being matched with their political participation,” Ntuli explained. She noted that this disconnect stems from a deep distrust of political institutions and players. Faced with high unemployment and a lack of opportunities, many young people feel that democracy is not working in their everyday lives. Consequently, they fail to realize that the very problems they face can be addressed through active political participation and holding elected officials accountable.
Redefining Local Government Elections
Historically, local government elections—which consistently record the lowest voter turnout compared to national and provincial polls—have been marketed poorly to younger demographics. Political parties have often positioned municipal elections as issues that primarily affect older homeowners concerned with property rates.
In reality, local government directly dictates the quality of daily life, managing critical service delivery issues such as potholes, water supply, and electricity. Ntuli stresses that young people actually have the most to gain from participating in these elections because municipal governance is the tier of government closest to their daily realities.
Through active involvement in ward committees and Integrated Development Plan (IDP) processes, young citizens can directly influence what happens in their specific areas. The mechanisms for democratic participation exist, but many, particularly the youth, lack the knowledge on how to access them.
A Whole-of-Society Approach to Accountability
Holding elected officials accountable is impossible if the electorate does not understand their roles. Ntuli pointed out that if polled, a vast majority of older citizens would not be able to accurately describe what a municipal councillor does or how much they earn. Therefore, the solution requires a “whole of society” approach rather than placing the burden of democratic engagement solely on the youth.
Looking ahead, Ntuli remains optimistic that the current political atmosphere could serve as a catalyst for change. With the rise of coalition governments and ongoing amendments to the Municipal Structures Act, she believes there will be a psychological shift in how citizens participate in the democratic process.
Ultimately, achieving a stable democracy and the economic growth the country desperately needs requires a unified effort. As the November registration weekend aims to close the participation gap, the message from civic advocates is clear: both young and old must engage in the electoral process to ensure their local realities are effectively represented and managed.
