JOHANNESBURG - The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) launched its 2026 election campaign under the slogan “Get Up, Show Up, Vote”, in efforts to strengthen democratic participation among young South Africans in particular.
Getting young people involved has been a key aspect of the Commission’s broader voter education campaign.
The national voter registration weekend is scheduled for 20 and 21 June 2026.
The IEC urged all eligible South Africans, especially first-time voters, to make use of the voter registration weekend to register, confirm, or update their details.
Addressing a media briefing on Thursday, IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said despite efforts to encourage young people to participate, the youth remain one of the least registered age groups on the voters’ roll.
“More than 70% of the youth in the age category of 18-19 are not yet registered,” he said.
Through its Tertiary Institutions Campaign, the IEC remains committed to expanding youth participation.
The campaign, which had already reached 269,000 students nationwide, resulted in 158,000 new registrations recorded.
In the coming months, the Commission plans to extend its campaign to colleges and universities.
As South Africa marks Youth Month, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) also urges the youth to register to vote and play their part in shaping the future of their municipalities.
Amid concerns about youth voter apathy and participation, SALGA has intensified efforts to mobilise young people through its Youth Commission.
On the streets of Johannesburg, eNCA spoke to young people who said they would be voting, but they do not trust politicians.
“I am going to vote because I think we all have a responsibility to contribute to the state of our nation. And I think the only way to participate directly is through voting,” one young person said.
Another said even though she will be voting, she does not trust the current leaders.
“I genuinely do not trust them. I think they are greedy. I also do not think they really understand the consequences of their actions.”
The youth think there is a detachment between the messaging from the government and the issues young people are facing.
“I don’t think there is enough youth representation in politics,” said another.
- By Somila Tiwani