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The Rise of South Africa’s Young Political Voices: A New Generation Steps Forward
By Staff Reporter
Johannesburg – July 12, 2025
A quiet transformation is underway in South Africa’s political landscape. While veterans continue to dominate party leadership, the country’s youth – often dismissed as apathetic or disengaged – are stepping up, challenging traditional structures, and shaping new movements that could redefine power in the years to come.
This shift is not just symbolic. It’s materialising in municipal councils, student representative bodies, social media campaigns, and increasingly, on national platforms. South Africa’s youth, aged 18 to 35, make up more than 34% of the population, and with the 2026 general elections looming, their growing political engagement may play a decisive role.
Youth Disillusionment Meets Grassroots Organising
For decades, the post-apartheid political environment has been marked by frustration among younger generations. High unemployment, unequal education, and limited access to opportunities have fueled a sense of exclusion from economic and political decision-making.
“I’ve always felt like the system was not built for people like me,” says Zanele Mthembu (24), a youth activist and co-founder of Sizofunda, a civic literacy initiative in KwaMashu. “We were taught about the Constitution at school, but no one teaches us how to actually hold local government accountable.”
This frustration has increasingly translated into action. Groups like #FeesMustFall, NotInMyNameSA, and The Rivonia Circle have transformed youth-led frustration into tangible advocacy. What began as campus-based protests over tuition fees and student welfare evolved into broader demands for political transparency, ethical governance, and economic inclusion.
“We saw the momentum from the protests in 2015 to 2017, but now there’s a shift towards formal political engagement,” explains Dr. Ferial Matlala, a political science lecturer at the University of Pretoria. “Many former student leaders are now either entering Parliament or leading grassroots organisations with clear political goals.”
New Faces in Established Parties
Some of the most visible young leaders are rising within mainstream political parties.
The ANC Youth League, recently revitalised after years of stagnation, has appointed Collen Malatji (30) as its president. In a speech earlier this year, Malatji promised to return the League to its activist roots, calling for “radical interventions in youth unemployment, education funding, and housing.” Though critics say the League still lacks real influence over ANC policy, Malatji’s leadership has been widely acknowledged as a potential catalyst.
In the DA, MP Ashor Sarupen (36) has been increasingly vocal on issues ranging from education reform to digital innovation. Meanwhile, the EFF continues to attract a strong youth following, with National Spokesperson Sinawo Tambo (34) gaining prominence for his uncompromising rhetoric and regular engagement with young voters on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok.
Even smaller parties are capitalising on the youth wave. Rise Mzansi, a new political movement founded in 2023 by former journalist Songezo Zibi, has placed youth empowerment at the centre of its platform, calling for mandatory civic education, greater parliamentary accountability, and robust job creation schemes. The party’s provincial convenor in Gauteng, 27-year-old Rea Selepe, is among several young professionals now heading candidate lists.
From Protests to Policy
One major shift is the transition from protest to policy-making. “The youth are no longer just marching,” says Lunga Mnisi, a researcher at the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA). “They’re writing manifestos, running community forums, launching voter education drives. They want real seats at the table.”
A prime example is the South African Youth Council (SAYC), which in May 2025 released a 40-page Youth Manifesto for Change, detailing policy priorities ahead of the next election cycle. The document, developed in partnership with NGOs, academics, and over 60 youth organisations, outlines a plan for youth entrepreneurship hubs, compulsory political literacy in high schools, and reforms to the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).
“It’s the most comprehensive policy document we’ve seen from young people since the early 2000s,” says Prof. Sipho Dlamini from Wits University’s School of Governance. “The challenge now is translating that into electoral power.”
Digital Platforms as Political Tools
Unlike older generations, today’s youth are increasingly using digital tools to drive political engagement.
Platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok, and X are central to how young people consume news and engage with politics. Influencers like Lelo Boya, who runs the political commentary channel Youth Vibe ZA on YouTube, have built large audiences by breaking down complex policy issues into digestible, entertaining content.
“I don’t think Parliament is where most young people get their politics,” says Boya. “It’s memes, videos, voice notes, and posts. The ANC is on the back foot because it hasn’t figured out how to speak the language of this generation.”
This trend is not unique to South Africa. Across the continent, digital activism has become a major political force, with movements like #EndSARS in Nigeria and #FixTheCountry in Ghana driven largely by tech-savvy youth. South African political parties, too, are beginning to invest in online influencers and social media strategists.
But online activism has its limits. As Dlamini points out: “The danger is mistaking likes for votes. Digital presence must translate into physical mobilisation and electoral outcomes.”
Voter Turnout and Electoral Influence
Despite their potential, youth voter turnout remains worryingly low. In the 2021 local government elections, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) reported that less than 20% of registered voters under 35 actually cast their ballots. The reasons include disillusionment, lack of trust in political parties, and administrative barriers.
To address this, the IEC has launched targeted campaigns on campuses and social media, including “X for the Future”, a 2025 initiative that uses influencers, gamified apps, and mobile registration trucks to encourage youth participation.
IEC spokesperson Kate Bapela says: “We’re aware that traditional outreach no longer works. We have to meet young people where they are – online, on their phones, in their communities.”
Some results are already visible. Registration among first-time voters increased by 11% in the first half of 2025, according to IEC data released in June.
Youth Challenges Remain
Yet, many obstacles persist. Youth unemployment sits at a staggering 44.3%, according to the latest Stats SA data. Access to quality education and healthcare remains uneven, and political violence and intimidation continue to deter many from participating.
“We can’t talk about youth inclusion without addressing the economic violence they face,” says Ayanda Buthelezi, a community organiser in Soweto. “You can’t expect someone worried about rent and food to also campaign or run for office.”
Moreover, young people often face resistance from within their own parties. “There’s still a lot of gatekeeping,” says Mthembu. “Older leaders say they want youth involvement, but when we show up with new ideas, they call us disrespectful or impatient.”
Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
As the 2026 general elections approach, political analysts agree that the youth vote may determine the outcome in several key metros and provinces.
“The ANC risks losing its majority if young voters stay away or back opposition parties,” warns Dr. Matlala. “Conversely, parties like Rise Mzansi and the EFF could see significant gains if they sustain momentum.”
Ultimately, South Africa’s future will be shaped not just by whether young people vote – but by how they organise, advocate, and lead. With growing access to technology, platforms, and policy spaces, the barriers to participation are lower than ever.
As Selepe puts it: “We’ve stopped asking for a seat at the table. We’re bringing our own.”
