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2026 LGE: Youth urged to take an active role in shaping their municipalities

2026 LGE: Youth urged to take an active role in shaping their municipalities The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has urged young South Africans to register to vote ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections and take an active role in shaping the future of their municipalities. The call comes as South Africa marks Youth Month and prepares for the national voter registration weekend scheduled for 20 and 21 June 2026. SALGA said the registration period presents an important opportunity for eligible citizens to register or update their voting details in the districts where they live. Through its Youth Commission, SALGA is intensifying efforts to mobilise young people amid concerns about declining voter participation and increasing distrust in democratic processes. According to recent Public Opinion Research by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), the 2026 Local Government Elections are taking place against a backdrop of public pessimism and democratic disengagement. The study found that 62% of unregistered voters have no intention of registering to vote, while only 38% indicated they were open to registration. SALGA Youth Commission Chairperson Lucky Sele said one of the most concerning findings is that more than 60% of non-registered young adults between the ages of 18 and 34 do not intend to register to vote, potentially leaving millions of first-time and second-time voters off the voters’ roll. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has launched its 2026 election campaign under the slogan “Get Up, Show Up, Vote”, identifying young people as a key audience in efforts to strengthen democratic participation. SALGA said it believes local democracy can only be strengthened when young people actively participate in shaping council decisions, priorities and policies that affect their daily lives. “Young people cannot afford to be absent from decisions that affect jobs, service delivery, accountability and the future of their communities,” said Sele. As part of its Youth Month activities, the SALGA Youth Commission will roll out a targeted mobilisation programme throughout June 2026. The initiative will include public awareness campaigns, media engagements and youth dialogues aimed at encouraging greater participation in local democracy and the upcoming elections. – SAnews.gov.za Janine Mon, 06/08/2026 - 13:45 0