The political landscape in South Africa is marked by a strong sense of disillusionment among young people, who feel disconnected from government and political parties, and struggle to trust politicians. As the 2024 general election draws closer, more and more discussion revolves around the idea of “young voter apathy”. The 18-35 age group makes up the largest voting cohort in the country, and understanding young people’s attitudes toward voting is crucial.
It is unfair to say that South African youth are apathetic about the electoral process. On the contrary, she is aware of her power and her choices. Involved in collective actions outside traditional democratic structures, young people have shown their ability to organize, whether through demonstrations, online campaigns or on the ground.
Demonstrations such as #FeesMustFall in 2016, the fight against gender-based violence during confinement in 2020, or the protests against the National Student Aid Fund (NSFAS) show that young South Africans are far from ‘be apathetic. They have demonstrated their commitment and knowledge of political issues time and time again.
However, despite this involvement, young people do not feel connected to the government or existing political parties. They lack information and connections to political parties, unlike previous generations who had more exposure to these political institutions.
It is essential that young people receive adequate electoral education to make informed choices. Unfortunately, this awareness is insufficient, especially for secondary school students. Integrating elements on active citizenship and the functioning of democratic institutions into school curricula would help fill this gap.
Additionally, young South Africans express a lack of trust in incumbent politicians, accusing them of corruption and personal motivations. This distrust contributes to a low participation rate among young people in elections.
It is essential that young people realize that voting is the most effective way to make their voices heard and bring about change within government. It is therefore crucial that educational institutions and electoral bodies become more engaged in educating young voters.
In conclusion, there is an urgent need for action to strengthen the connection between young people and politics in South Africa. The mobilization of young people and their political education are essential keys to guaranteeing active and informed participation of young people in the country’s democratic processes.