Why young people must vote in the 2024 national elections

With a population of over 20.6 million South Africans (about 35%), increasing civic engagement and political participation is essential to building an inclusive society and strong democratic institutions.

For South Africa’s political system to be representative, all sections of society must be included. When young people are disenfranchised or disengaged from the political process, a significant portion of the population has little or no voice or influence in the decisions that affect them. The main consequence is the destruction of our political system due to lack of representation.

Inclusive political participation is not only a basic political and democratic right but is essential for building a stable and peaceful society and developing policies that respond to the specific needs of the young generation. In order for young people to be adequately represented in political institutions, processes, and decision-making, and especially in elections, they need to know their rights and be given the necessary knowledge and capacity to participate in a meaningful way at all levels.

Why don’t young South Africans vote?

To begin with, let’s unpack why young South Africans have voter apathy.

1. Young South Africans feel held accountable by political parties and politicians. They think that their vote does not affect the way political parties and politicians use public power and make decisions in the public interest.
2. Distrust in the electoral and political process due to corruption in the government structure. Trust in the electoral and political process is an important part of bringing citizens to the polls.
3. Growing negative perception of lack of service. The government’s failure to deliver the right things such as consistent access to electricity and water, quality education, access to youth-friendly health services makes it difficult to vote because it feels like it won’t make a difference.
4. Persistent youth unemployment has fueled youth dissatisfaction with formal political and economic processes. According to Statistics South Africa, “young people in South Africa continue to be disadvantaged in the labor market with unemployment rates higher than the national average”. For the first quarter of 2022, the unemployment rate is 63.9% for those aged 15 to 24 and 42.1% for those aged 25 to 34, while the official national rate is currently at 34.5%.
5. Young people are not effectively represented in the list of candidates. They don’t understand how government works and how important their vote is.

How to improve youth voter participation

Now let’s talk about how various institutions like the South African Electoral Commission (IEC), political parties, independent candidates, civil society organizations, politicians, the media and other institutions can contribute to increasing youth voter turnout.

1. One of the problems that cause low voter participation among young people is low political literacy. To solve these problems, using a mandatory, collaborative, practical, and direct approach to civic education in schools and in the social environment will help empower them to participate in politics and develop the necessary internal political efficacy that leads to political participation. Communication methods should be in line with the communication methods of young people, for example, social media, mainstream media and visual communication.
2. Wider social changes have eroded young people’s sense of belonging in a community, which in turn has led to political fragmentation. Our generation has been raised in a more individualistic society and lacks traditional sources of reference such as family, community and social class. Contemporary society has failed to prepare young people for social life. This intergenerational social change then destroys the young people’s affective attachment to their community. Enhancing social exchange and developing young people’s social networks will be important in influencing social behaviour. There should be campaigns and platforms that create high social capital, characterized by dense social networks of mutual trust, social norms and reciprocity, and have a higher level of solidarity, collaboration and political involvement.
3. Lowering barriers to registration increases voter turnout. Electoral reforms that reduce the complexity of the electoral process will help encourage young people to follow through and vote. Reforms such as same-day registration, which allows people to register when they come to vote even if they miss the voter registration deadline, will increase voter turnout. Other registration reforms provide civic education and procedural knowledge about the registration process.
4. Expand voting methodology to increase youth voter participation. South Africa uses paper-based voting. Digital options should be explored to leverage the youth’s digital footprint and digital engagement.
5. Include and support young people to be on the candidate list, and work with them to address youth issues. The best way to get young people to see the value of voting is to actually put it to work.

Why should young people vote?

One thing to talk about is why there is voter apathy and how to increase youth voter turnout, but it’s important to talk directly to young South Africans about why it’s important to vote:

1. Young people have the power to protect South Africa’s democracy. According to the IEC, democracies in danger of losing their independence register low numbers of voters. The voter turnout during the 2019 national elections is an alarming case study of what is likely to happen in 2024.
2. Young people have the numbers to bring change to this country. South Africa yearns for effective political accountability and inclusive leadership that incorporates intersectional governance mechanisms. Voting according to the politician and/or political party that represents the change that young people want can lead to change in government – in the hope that it will lead to a positive system of government.
3. Voting shapes how taxes are spent. If young people contribute to taxes, their vote indirectly determines how the money is spent based on the government’s priorities. It shapes fiscal policy and budgeting in a way that takes into account the interests of young people.
4. Youth voting can shape the representation of young people in leadership structures and ensure that leaders represent diverse interests. By electing political parties or politicians that speak for youth representation and interests, young people have the power to ensure effective inclusion.
5. Youth voices matter. The active contribution of young people can bring democratic values, leading to the reversal of authoritarian practices. In countries like ours, where young people have led protests that forced authoritarian regimes from power, young people will feel significant frustration if they are not included in the new formal decision-making procedures. This can undermine democratization and accelerate conflict dynamics.

The low level of political participation among South African youth is a serious problem. When low levels of voter participation are unevenly distributed, election results do not represent the community and important votes are left out.

Karabo Mokgonyana is a legal and development practitioner and program director for Fellowship Sessions and Skill Hub.

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect official policy or position Mail & Guardians.