The dialogue took place less than two weeks after the elections, which were highly anticipated as the watershed elections. Regrettably, Victoria O’Regan wrote in the Daily Maverick that the voter turnout has declined from 89.3% in 1999 to an all-time low of 58.6% in the 2024 general elections. Of a registered voter population of 27.7 million people, only 16.2 million cast their ballots.
According to the HSRC survey, in 2023, 57% of South Africans were dissatisfied with democracy. The HSRC found that political discontent and disillusionment “emerged as the main reason for electoral abstention,” consistent with past voter participation research. When asked what their main reason would be for not voting if the national elections were held tomorrow, 81% of people had responded, “disillusionment”.
There is general discontentment in SA because of various factors including high rate of unemployment (South Africa has the highest Gini-coefficient in the world), poverty, poor service delivery, high crime rate and many others. Thirty years into democracy, many South Africans have not yet benefitted from “a better life for all”.
The speakers’ overarching message was that it is important for the youths to be active participants in a democracy by exercising their right to vote. Democracy needs an engaged citizenry. The high school students were encouraged to register to vote and participate in the 2026 Local Government Elections, the future of South Africa is in their hands. They were encouraged to view the value of voting as a shared societal responsibility which is more credible when many eligible voters participate in elections.
Mr Gregor Jaecke, Resident Representative, KAS SA gave the welcoming remarks ,and highlighted that it is worth remembering that we as citizens make the options and that it is up to us to fill parties with life in between elections. Prof Bhekithemba Mngomezulu, Director of CANRAD presented the vote of thanks. Mr Vuyo Ndodana facilitated the discussion. Ms Londiwe Mntambo was the guest speaker with Mr Thembalethu Nyikalana as the respondent and there were 4 contributors Ms Lihle Mpungose, Ms Ntsika Maweni, Mr Mbasa Mvenene and Ms Boitumelo Wesi.
The recording of the event can be accessed here.
