South Africa: SA Elections - Young South Africans Aren't Apathetic - They Are Alienated

What the report says

An Institute for Security Studies analysis published by AllAfrica says many young people in South Africa’s Ekurhuleni and eThekwini metros are not simply apathetic ahead of the 4 November local elections; they feel alienated from a political system they believe does not represent or benefit them. The piece says interviews conducted in September and October with 41 township residents and community leaders, mostly aged 18 to 35, found widespread distrust of parties and local government.

The report links that disaffection to several pressures, especially unemployment, weak expectations that education will lead to work, and frustration with municipal services and political engagement. It notes that in the 2021 local elections, registered voters in their 20s had the lowest turnout among age groups, and cites earlier survey findings showing many young respondents doubted voting would change anything. At the same time, the article emphasizes that many of these young people remain active in community policing, care work and health advocacy, suggesting their disengagement is focused on formal party politics rather than civic life overall.

The analysis also describes how anti-migrant sentiment and groups such as March and March have tapped into anger in some communities, especially where joblessness and insecurity are high. The author warns that if young people continue to stay home and councils are elected mainly by older voters, the cycle of alienation could deepen. It also points to a possible countertrend: younger candidates and grassroots organizers entering the race with more local, practical demands such as learnerships, business permits and better access to municipal opportunities.