Youth Participation in South Africa’s Political Landscape: South African Youth Call for Increased Representation

In a recent statement, a respondent for the youth emphasised the need for tangible steps to demonstrate faith in youth capabilities. "The first step is to show that they have faith in us by placing us in positions of authority in their political parties. We currently do not feel represented in these parties at all…Once we have some youth leaders in their parties and in parliament, our views and suggestions become actionable."

The findings of the Varsity Vibe 2024 Elections Survey shed light on the extent of this sentiment. With responses from over 11 000 participants, the survey revealed that only 44% of youth feel adequately represented by existing political parties. The remaining 56% expressed a profound sense of exclusion within these parties and in the decision-making processes. There is a clear call for more opportunities for qualified youth to occupy influential positions within the political framework.

Adding to these concerns are the sobering statistics from Stats SA, which highlight the vulnerability of youth in the labour market. According to data from the fourth quarter of 2023, the total number of unemployed youth increased by 87,000 to 4.7 million. Simultaneously, there was a decrease of 97,000 in the number of employed youth, bringing the total to 5.9 million. Consequently, the youth unemployment rate rose from 43.4% to 44.3%. These figures underscore the urgent need for targeted measures to address youth unemployment and improve economic prospects.

Beyond employment, youth also grapple with pressing societal issues such as access to higher education, financial stability, climate change and social justice. Our survey revealed that only 36% of respondents believe that political parties adequately address these concerns and priorities of the youth in South Africa.

As the nation prepares for the upcoming election, it is imperative to heed the voices of the youth and take concrete steps towards greater representation and meaningful engagement. Empowering youth to actively participate in decision-making processes and addressing their pressing needs are essential for building a brighter future for South Africa.