LESS than half of Mzansi’s youth is likely to vote on 29 May.
This is according to a survey by an NGO called Ichikowitz Family Foundation.
In a report released on Tuesday, 7 May, on youth voter intentions from its latest African Youth Survey’s "Special Report" on Mzansi, which coincided with the 30th anniversary of the end of apartheid, about 35% of the youth is still undecided.
The survey was conducted through more than 1 000 face-to-face interviews with 18 to 24-year-olds across Mzansi and found that less than one in two young people are keen to vote.
Ichikowitz Family Foundation chairman Ivor Ichikowitz said corruption in SA was the biggest concern in the minds of youth, rising from 64% "very concerned" in 2022 to 85% in 2024.
He said other issue areas with high levels of concern were lack of employment opportunities (82% "very concerned") and concern surrounding gender-based violence (81% "very concerned").
Environmental issues have also seen the largest increase in concern since 2022, with climate change rising from 37% "very concerned" to 63% and water scarcity jumping from 43% to 69%.
Ichikowitz said: “It's encouraging that the majority of young South Africans still regard democracy as the preferred choice of government.
"However, it's alarming that a sizeable minority would consider a non-democratic system. These shifts in sentiment can likely be attributed to a growing desire for change in South Africa, driven by declining positivity about the future and increasing concern about the current state of the country.”
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He pointed out that it was important for leaders, present and future, to listen to the voices of young people whose frustrations with corruption, unemployment and crime shook their faith in democracy.
“As we celebrate 30 years of our young democracy, there's still an opportunity to address challenges facing our younger generation as South Africans have long emblemised the triumph of the human spirit and the power inherent in forging new beginnings,” he said.
Voting Intentions:
Nearly two-thirds (63%) say they are registered to vote. This percentage grows to 68% among 22–24-year-olds.
Among those with a university degree or higher, voter intention climbs further to 72%.
Just under half (49%) say they are likely to vote later this month, while 16% say they won’t, and another 35% haven’t yet decided.
69% of those polled suggest that their voice today matters (up from 54% just two years ago).
Rising support for a non-democratic form of government:
More troublingly, today, nearly a third of respondents say they would support non-democratic forms of government, up nine points from the 2022 study.
Still, 64% of youth overall support democracy as their preferred form of government and half say it can't simply emulate Western models but look for an African style of democracy suited to their circumstances.
Fake News Concerns for Elections:
79% are worried about the potential of fake news interfering with their choice through misinformation in the coming election.
South African youth believe fake news is deliberately utilised by politicians (82%), terrorist and criminal organisations (81%), foreign governments (80%) and religious organisations (77%) to push their agendas.
