2026 Elections | Tshwane youth demand more than campaign promises

Young voters in Tshwane took their frustrations straight to the ballot box, calling for a government that gets its priorities right, tackles unemployment and delivers on basic services.

As South Africans headed to the polls for the 2026 Local Government Elections, young people made it clear that their votes come with expectations and election promises alone would no longer be enough.

Scores of young voters made their way to polling stations across the metro, including Amandasig Secondary School in the north of Pretoria, where YNews found a generation eager to have its say.

While many praised the quick and hassle-free voting process, relieved that they did not have to endure lengthy queues, they were equally vocal about the challenges they wanted the incoming leadership to address.

First-time voters, Vusimuzi Hlongwa and Agisanang Motlhakeng, highlighted what they believe needed urgent attention, with Hlongwa questioning government’s priorities and Motlhakeng calling for greater opportunities for young people.

The growing appetite for political participation was reflected on the voters’ roll, with more than 5.5 million South Africans in their twenties registered to vote in this election, compared to 4.4 million in the 2021 municipal polls.

A further 694 882 young people aged between 18 and 19 were registered to vote.

For first-time voter, Bontle Motlhoki, unemployment was firmly at the top of her list of concerns.

She said watching previous generations vote without seeing the change they had hoped for motivated her to take matters into her own hands, hoping her ballot would contribute to a better future.

“This is my first time voting. I took an initiative to come and vote because we’ve seen our elders vote all the time but we still don’t see a change I pray and wish that my vote will make a difference in the future for others as well. The youth unemployment rate is what motivated me the most. I know so many educated people but yet they are not employed,” Motlhoki said.

Meanwhile, sisters Taylor and Tokollo Setetemela, said reliable basic services needed to be among the incoming government’s priorities, insisting that communities needed more than promises.

“We’d probably say that we have always had issues with street lights. Water also sometimes goes away without notice. They usually only give us notification later after the water has gone. Our issues is them not notifying us on time,” they said.

Despite their concerns, the young voters said they remain hopeful that the political parties they had chosen would deliver on their commitments, while acknowledging that challenges could arise along the way.

The appetite for change was also evident at Akasia Community Hall in Karenpark, north of Pretoria, where thousands of voters turned out to cast their ballots.

YNews spoke to young voters who said they were ready to give new political organisations an opportunity to lead, with some choosing to switch political allegiances in pursuit of better representation.

They also criticises politicians they accuse of treating elections like a seasonal transaction, courting young people with promises of a brighter future when they needed their votes, only to disappear once they secured power.

Voters, Tikie Tlale and Tulani Mathebula, said they had changed their political choices in this election, while outlining the issues they wanted those elected to urgently address.

🕒 1 Hour to Go: Voting Stations Closing Soon!

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— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) November 4, 2026