Three decades after the historic 1994 democratic election, South Africa braces for the 2024 national and provincial elections. Yet, amidst this political landscape, the spotlight shines on a pivotal demographic: the youth. With nearly a third of the nation’s adult population, the voting decisions of young South Africans aged 18–34, hold considerable sway in determining electoral outcomes. Despite their substantial numbers youth voter turnout has been inconsistent, raising concerns about their level of political engagement.

The University of Johannesburg (UJ), in partnership with the South African Broadcast Corporation (SABC), alongside Activate! Change Drivers and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), hosted the Elections 360 debate on May 5, 2024. This collaborative effort sought to cultivate meaningful discussions on issues impacting the youth, including unemployment rates, hurdles within the higher education sector, inadequate infrastructure, service delivery issues, and voter apathy.

During the debate, representatives from six political parties, including the African National Congress (ANC), National Freedom Party (NFP), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Democratic Alliance (DA), Build One South Africa (BOSA), and RISE Mzansi, engaged in discussions addressing these pertinent topics. Attendees included supporters of various political formations, the UJ Student Representative Council, and members of the public.

The discussions highlighted the significance of proactive engagement with young voters, acknowledging their concerns and elevating their voices. By offering a platform for political leaders to tackle youth-centric issues, initiatives like Elections 360 play a pivotal role in fostering participatory democracy. This debate exemplifies a broader effort to mobilise South Africans toward active involvement in the electoral process, fostering informed decision-making and strengthening democratic values.

Watch the full Elections 360 debate, below: