Written By: Jabulani Skhosana
South Africa’s upcoming 2026 Local Government Elections, scheduled for 4 November 2026, are more than an opportunity to choose municipal councilors. They are an opportunity for citizens, especially young adults, to influence the direction of the communities in which they live, work, study, raise families and build businesses. The Electoral Commission has specifically called on young people to participate, with its campaign carrying the message “Get up, show up, vote.”
For young adults, participation should not be viewed simply as a civic obligation; it is an exercise of liberty, responsibility and economic power.
Young people are not only voters – they are future leaders
One of the most serious misconceptions a young generation may make is to believe that politics is something other people do. Young adults should not just vote. They should consider running as community activists, entrepreneurs, civil-society leaders, policymakers, councilors, or independent candidates. The Electoral Commission allows for independent ward candidates, which means that political engagement at the municipal level does not always require joining a political party.
This is important because democracy becomes stronger when capable people from different backgrounds are willing to serve their communities. Young South Africans possess skills, technology, creativity and new perspectives that can contribute significantly to local government. They understand the challenges facing their generation because they experience them directly.
Youth unemployment, the cost of living, access to affordable housing, entrepreneurship, education, digital connectivity and community safety are not abstract political issues. To be real, they are everyday realities. Young people should therefore demand leadership that understands the economy of the future rather than simply repeating the politics of the past.
Reject political apathy
It is understandable that some young people have become frustrated with politics. Broken promises, corruption, unemployment and poor service delivery can create the belief that participation is pointless.
But political disappointment should lead to greater participation, not less. If a government performs poorly, citizens should question why. If elected officials fail to deliver, voters should hold them accountable. If political parties do not represent young people’s ambitions, they should confront them peacefully and democratically or create alternatives. Democracy does not guarantee perfect leaders. It gives citizens the ability to influence who governs and how they govern. The IEC invites qualified residents to actively shape the future of their communities.
A generation that chooses its future
The 2026 Local Government Elections should therefore be an opportunity for young adults to redefine what political participation means.
It should not be about voting because your parents voted a certain way. It should not be about voting because your friends support a particular party. And it should not be about choosing a candidate simply because of political popularity.
It should be about asking fundamental questions:
· Who will protect my freedom?
· Who will create an environment where I can build a better life?
· Who will manage public money responsibly?
· Who will respect the rights and dignity of every citizen?
The future belongs to those who participate
South Africa’s young adults have an enormous stake in the future of the country. They will live with today’s political and economic decisions for decades to come. That is why the upcoming local government elections should not be viewed as an event for politicians alone. They belong to communities – and young people are a central part of those communities. Voting is an expression of liberty. Participation is an expression of responsibility. Entrepreneurship is an expression of economic freedom. Accountability is an expression of citizenship. The future of local government will not be decided only by political parties and candidates. It will also be decided by whether young people choose to show up.
Your community is your future. Your vote is your voice. Your participation is your power.
Jabulani Skhosana, independent gap year entrepreneur.