As we continue building up to the general local government elections on Wednesday, the Human Sciences Research Council’s analysis of South African Social Attitudes Survey data for 2024 and 2025 found that 63% of Generation Z respondents regarded voting as a civic duty. Only 23% believed their vote made a difference. The Electoral Commission’s 2021 municipal election report shows how uneven participation can be. Among registered voters aged 20 to 29, turnout was 35%, compared with 64% among those aged 60 to 69. Registered 18- and 19-year-olds recorded turnout of 71%. 

GUEST: Professor Bheki Mngomezulu, Political Analyst from the Nelson Mandela University