DURBAN, KwaZulu-Natal – The 2026 municipal elections have witnessed a significant shift in political dynamics, with a notable surge in youth representation among the candidates contesting the local government elections. Political parties are making a highly visible effort to integrate younger voices into their ranks, reflecting a growing demand for generational change at the municipal level.
According to the Electoral Commission, more than 136,000 candidates have been certified for the upcoming local government elections. Strikingly, young people now account for 32 percent of the total candidate pool, signaling a robust youth mobilization effort across the country.
In the eThekwini municipality, this demographic shift is playing out on the ground in some of the region’s most challenging environments. Located in Ward 25, Kennedy Road is one of Durban’s oldest and most densely populated formal settlements. With roots tracing back to the late 1970s, the area is plagued by deplorable living conditions, where residents frequently lack access to reliable water, electricity, and proper ablution facilities.
It is here that 35-year-old Mlekeleli Doncabe, affectionately known as Shorty, is campaigning as the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) ward councillor candidate. Doncabe notes that growing up in these harsh conditions motivated him to step into public service, but it is the marginalization of young people that weighs heaviest on him.
“What concerned me was the youth; they are left out,” Doncabe explained. “Even when job opportunities come, young people are sidelined. That is what even leads to crime. If young people give me an opportunity, I promise to prioritize them.”
Just over 50 kilometers from central Durban, the rapidly expanding perurban area of Kwa-Themba in Ward 1 is also looking to young leadership. Many residents are pinning their hopes on 34-year-old Lwazi Khanyile, who is standing for the MK Party. Holding a Bachelor of Commerce degree in business management, Khanyile advocates for youth-centered development and tangible infrastructure improvements.
“We’ve been trying to build a skills development center in this area. This will help to upskill the youth,” Khanyile stated, pointing to the area’s infrastructural deficits. “Then the roads. Just look at this gravel road. It’s been years like this. Then down the road from here, there’s a bridge. For years, we’ve asked that it be refurbished, but nothing. With this infrastructure development, I want the youth and small business to benefit. That’s how we will achieve the change we want for our community.”
Despite their unique backgrounds and varying political affiliations, these young candidates share a common hurdle on the campaign trail: convincing their peers to participate in the electoral process. For months, they have crisscrossed their communities and ventured into difficult terrain to prove their capability and make their voices heard.
Now in the final stretch of the campaign, buoyed by the support of their families, communities, and comrades, these young candidates remain determined to win the hearts of voters and secure a mandate for the youth.
