Is the youth vote dead?

By Tara Roos

As the clock draws closer to May 29, South Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its democratic journey, drawing attention to a critical demographic – the youth. Despite the remarkable strides made since the end of apartheid, there remains a glaring lack of youth participation in the electoral process, raising profound concerns about the health of the nation's democracy.

As it currently stands we have 27,698,369 registered voters, with only 4,974,171 being under the age of 30. This demographic disparity is not just a numerical anomaly but reflects a deeper issue of disengagement and disenfranchisement among South Africa's youth. With young people constituting over 35% of the population, their under-representation in political processes exacerbates a trust deficit in the democratic system.

The reasons behind this lack of youth participation are multifaceted, revolving around disillusionment and disconnect from the political establishment. Many young South Africans feel that their votes won't bring about tangible change or hold politicians accountable, leading to distrust in the electoral process. It's crucial to recognise that young South Africans are not apathetic but deeply care about the future of their country. The challenge lies in channelling this passion into meaningful political action.

Beyond exercising your democratic right, voting is a powerful tool for effecting change and shaping the future of the country.

But why should young people vote? Beyond exercising their democratic right, voting is a powerful tool for effecting change and shaping the future of the country. Young South Africans have the potential to sway elections and influence political outcomes, advocating for policies that reflect their interests and driving social and economic progress. Voting is about shaping the priorities and values of the nation. By participating in the electoral process, young people can contribute to building a more just, equitable, and prosperous society that reflects their ideals and aspirations.

The low turnout among young voters in the 2019 elections serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need for concerted efforts to empower and mobilise young voters. The statistics from the 2019 national election paint a troubling picture of the state of youth voter participation in South Africa. According to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), only 56% of eligible voters aged 18-29 registered to vote in the 2019 national and provincial elections. Furthermore, voter turnout in this age group was a meagre 46%, significantly lower than the national average of 66%.

The youth vote is not just a numerical statistic but a powerful force for driving positive change and shaping the trajectory of South Africa's democracy. It's time for young South Africans to recognise the significance of their voices and seize the opportunity to make a difference through active political participation. The future of the nation depends on it.

* Tara Roos is a political analyst, policy writer, and UNESCO Youth Ambassador for Education.

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.