With just weeks remaining before the voter registration weekend on the 20th and 21st, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) is sounding a call to action as new Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) figures show that over 70% of eligible 18- and 19-year-olds have not registered to vote in the upcoming local government elections.
SALGA Youth Commission Chairperson Lucky Sele identified widespread disillusionment as a central factor behind the trend. “Many young people hold a belief that participating in democracy—whether at local or national level—does not provide solutions to the challenges they face daily,” Sele explained.
Youth unemployment and persistent socio-economic hardships continue to fuel skepticism about the impact of casting a ballot. Despite these concerns, Sele stressed that democratic engagement remains the most effective pathway for communities to influence change. “We have a responsibility to encourage young people not to lose hope or trust in democratic processes, because that is the tool you use to transform your own society and your immediate environment.”
Local government elections carry direct implications for everyday life, overseeing essential services such as water provision, sanitation infrastructure, road maintenance, and electricity distribution. Councillors elected during these polls are tasked with administering municipal budgets and providing oversight on community infrastructure projects.
“We all live within local municipal boundaries, and we are directly represented by councillors who sit in councils to administer services and exercise oversight over budgets that critically shape our communities’ infrastructure,” Sele noted.
While acknowledging that certain municipalities face service delivery challenges—often compounded by issues like non-payment for services and capacity constraints—Sele encouraged young citizens to participate in public consultations and contribute to shaping their municipality’s Integrated Development Plan. “It is vital that this information reaches all young people so they understand that voting in local government elections is fundamentally about service delivery in our communities.”
The stakes of low youth participation extend beyond representation. The previous local government election recorded a turnout of only 46%. Sele warned that sustained disengagement could weaken the legitimacy and functionality of elected structures. “When trust in democratic processes erodes, there is a risk that people may resort to alternative, extra-legal means to address grievances—actions that government is meant to handle. This can create instability.”
Sele also drew a contrast between democratic systems and authoritarian regimes, pointing to improved quality of life and protection of human rights in societies where democratic norms are upheld.
Addressing the argument that unmet political promises have dampened enthusiasm, Sele differentiated between older voters—who may feel let down after multiple election cycles—and first-time eligible voters aged 18 and 19. “Many of these young people have never participated in an election. They have not yet made commitments to any political party. They should not be discouraged by experiences that are not their own.”
Sele further highlighted that, over three decades of constitutional democracy, South Africa has made measurable progress in building local government capacity. The ongoing review of the White Paper on Local Government reflects efforts to strengthen municipal performance. “We must be fair in this conversation. Many municipalities are functional and delivering services. If promises were universally unkept, we would all be in a state of disarray. Not all local municipalities are failing, and it is important that young people receive balanced information.”
SALGA is now prioritizing grassroots outreach to connect with youth ahead of the registration weekend. The association emphasizes that local elections are not merely symbolic—they determine who will be accountable for delivering the services that shape daily life. Sele’s message to young South Africans is clear: register, vote, and engage actively in the democratic processes that govern your community.