Where are the young voters? Under-30s appear absent as frustration with politicians grows

Voting stations in Rocklands, Westridge and Tafelsig in Mitchells Plain saw less youth voters in the morning hours until midday

As voters headed to polling stations across Mitchells Plain on Wednesday, November 4, the apparent absence of younger voters raised concerns about growing political disillusionment, with some residents saying they had lost faith in politicians and their promises.

Political representatives also commented on the noticeable lack of voters under the age of 30 at voting stations, raising questions about whether young South Africans still believe their votes can bring meaningful change.

While official voter turnout figures by age group have yet to confirm the extent of youth participation, conversations with residents suggest that frustration over unemployment, inequality and unfulfilled election promises may be contributing to their reluctance to vote.

For Marunay Mettler, the decision not to participate stems from disappointment in a political system she believes has failed to deliver.

"I've lost all trust. I'm tired of the empty promises and the politics that seem to go round in circles."

Mettler said her frustration extended beyond politics to the challenges of finding equal opportunities.

"As a person of colour, it often feels like you have to work twice as hard to prove yourself. Sometimes you're not white enough, yet not dark enough to be considered. You can have the qualifications, the experience and the ability, but still be overlooked because you don't fit into a particular category."

She questioned whether promises of equality and fairness had translated into reality.

"It's frustrating when your hard work, dedication and qualifications seem to count for less than the colour of your skin.

"We were promised equal opportunities, fairness and a better future. But when will we actually see it?"

Mettler stressed that her disillusionment did not mean she had stopped caring.

"I haven't stopped caring about this country. I've simply lost faith in a system that makes so many of us feel unseen, unheard and undervalued."

Damian Atties shared similar sentiments, saying he had previously voted in the hope of seeing change, even switching his support to another political party.

However, he said politicians were visible during election campaigns but disappeared once votes had been secured.

"Why must I waste my time voting, standing in lines because there is no trustworthy politician out there. Whoever is in power will always steal one way or another."

Mervyn Jacobs said that although he understood why young people were becoming increasingly despondent, withdrawing from the democratic process was not the solution.

"The youth is despondent and its understandable, with lack of job opportunities and youth involvement, I completely understand them, however it is the very youth who also needs to take the stand and speak up for change. how else will your voice be heard?"

Jacobs said young South Africans needed to recognise the importance of making their mark on the ballot paper, particularly when decisions taken by elected leaders directly affected their futures.

Meanwhile, Richard Jaftha, who brought his young son along to the voting station, hoped the experience would help introduce the next generation to the importance of participating in elections.

"I feel very positive, I think there can be a change, you know, we need a change in the government, especially the cost of living. It's ridiculous at this time. So, I think every youngster should come out and vote and make a difference today."

Jaftha said his son was still too young to understand the significance of election day but had insisted on accompanying him.

"He doesn't understand what's going on. I told him this morning, 'Daddy's going to go vote,' and he said that he want to come with, so I'm just taking him with to the experience."

For Jaftha, the outing was an opportunity to expose his son to the voting process, with the hope that he would understand its significance when he was old enough to cast his own ballot.