This year's general elections are arguably the most significant since the dawn of democracy in 1994, yet disappointment with the political system runs deep among many young South Africans.
Many young people in the country are discouraged from voting due to factors such as unemployment, a lack of service delivery, and the soaring costs of education.
Thandi Zwane, a 28-year-old from Katlehong township in Johannesburg, shares her frustrations. "I've been unemployed for over five years, and I don't see how casting a ballot will change that. Politicians promise us the world during elections, but once they're in power, nothing changes.”
"Education is supposed to be the key to a better future, but it's becoming increasingly unaffordable. Why should I participate in a system that doesn't prioritise the needs of young people like me,” remarks Zwane.
Political Analyst, Metjie Makgoba, sheds light on the impact of voter apathy on the democratic process. “Voter apathy means that the ruling party would continue maintaining the majority and therefore continue with maladministration and corruption,” Makgoba states.
He further delved into the underlying socio-economic disparities that shape voter turnout and engagement.“Some people are poor because of colonialism, white supremacy, and racial capitalism; they have not seen the value of the current political and economic system.
“These people are largely black. They do not see the link between voting and their material conditions as a result and therefore decide to stay away from voting altogether. This has to do with political literacy, but it also has to do with suffering and deprivation that have produced hopelessness and alienation,” Makgoba explains.
Pelontle Mosimeng, a 19-year-old student from North-West University, shares her disillusionment. "I'm not encouraged to vote because politicians don't fulfil their promises. Our dreams of bringing changes to the communities have been shattered."
When asked what can be done differently by political parties to influence her to vote, Mosimeng stated that, “service delivery in our communities and creating job opportunities will definitely influence me to vote.”
According to Makgoba, addressing voter apathy necessitates a multi-faceted approach.
While he acknowledges that it's not solely the government's responsibility, he emphasizes the importance of citizens developing political consciousness and understanding the role of politics in their lives. “Political parties can deal with voter apathy by running programmes that demonstrate the role of political accountability.
“They need to shift towards political accountability because encouraging citizens to vote for political parties merely produces alienation. There is a need to educate the public about political accountability and how voting is central to this concept. Doing so, voters would not be sceptical about taking part in the voting process," he said.
--ChannelAfrica/WendyMothata--
