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The last decade has been economically strenuous on the vast majority and the youth are no exception. With unemployment sitting at 60.9% for those aged 15 - 24 and 40.6% for those aged 25 - 34, new graduates may not have the opportunity to contend with new financial responsibilities on their own or contribute substantially to the financial insecurity governing many of their circumstances at home. The acquisition of a bachelor’s degree from the top university in the country remains inadequate in providing a financial safety net - yet despite this vulnerable position, only 62% of the adult population registered to vote, which translates to just over 29 million individuals. Of that 62% of eligible voters, only 39.51% made an appearance at the polls on Wednesday.
Varsity Vibe asked our online audience of 71 645 how they feel about the coming elections a few days before it came time to cast their vote and the responses, read in conjunction with the economic conditions discussed, are undoubtedly a cause for concern. While 32% say they feel good about elections, 45% do not and 24% are simply unbothered. When young people feel as though the systems that govern their future are broken beyond repair and that those in charge will continue not to deliver, they become despondent and that may represent a greater issue. This despondence is further reflected in the 12% who were undecided as to whether they would vote and the 15% who were resolute that they would not. In substantiation, an article published by The Daily Maverick in early October reports on what is now being called the “No Vote” party, citing “youth disillusionment, distrust and broken political promises” as the catalyst for the growing movement.
While some members of the youth have checked out of the democratic voting process completely, primary concerns among those who remain include; not knowing who to vote for, the risk of votes being tampered with, nothing changing despite a democratic voting process, the lack of care and concern reflected by all parties towards the South African people, corruption and the general public making decisions based on widespread propaganda rather than conducting independent research to develop an informed opinion. Evidently the youth do not feel certain about any one path, process or party that will secure the future of our country but as time progresses and decision makers meet - for better or for worse - we can only hope that the youth grow to see the value of becoming more politically involved.
