By Teboho Moloi
QWA QWA – As South Africa gears up for another election cycle, 19-year-old aspiring medical doctor Thabang Phalo of Phuthaditjhaba is among thousands of young people who have taken their first step into the country’s democratic process, hoping their vote will help bring meaningful change.
Phalo is among the 7,475 new voters registered in the Free State during the IEC’s two-day voter registration weekend and believes that active participation in elections is the key to improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
The Guard Newspaper caught up with the enthusiastic first-time voter at the Riverside Finishing School voting station on Sunday, the final day of the registration drive, where scores of residents braved freezing winter temperatures to register and verify their voting details.
Speaking shortly after completing his registration, Phalo said he was inspired by his sister, who helped him understand the importance of voting and exercising his constitutional right to influence the future of the country.
“I want to be part of the generation that helps shape a better South Africa. Voting is not just a right, it is a responsibility,” he said.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) reported that more than 61,791 voters visited registration centres across the Free State during the weekend, either to register or verify their details at 1,614 voting stations.
The commission further revealed that 4,389 newly registered voters were young people between the ages of 18 and 21, highlighting growing youth participation in the democratic process.
Despite his optimism, Phalo said young people continue to face serious challenges, including deteriorating roads, unreliable electricity supply, rising crime levels, unemployment and a lack of support for locally owned black businesses.
He urged fellow young people to stop complaining about government failures while refusing to participate in elections.
“Young people must understand that this is their country and their voices matter. Their ideas are needed for the growth and development of South Africa. We cannot demand change from government while refusing to vote for the leaders who are expected to deliver that change,” he said.
Phalo also called on political parties to increase youth representation in Parliament and other decision-making structures, arguing that young leaders are better positioned to understand and respond to the needs of their generation.
“More young people must be given opportunities to represent us in Parliament. Youth issues require urgent attention, and young leaders can help accelerate solutions to the challenges facing our communities,” he added.
Nationally, the IEC reported a strong turnout during the registration weekend, with more than 330,000 voter registration applications processed on the first day alone, while online registration figures indicated that young people accounted for the majority of new applicants.
Although the first voter registration weekend has concluded, the IEC has reminded citizens that voter registration remains open.
Eligible voters can still register, update their details online, or visit local IEC offices during working hours for assistance.
For Phalo, registering to vote is more than a civic duty—it is an investment in the future.”Real change begins when people participate. My vote is my voice, and I hope it helps build a better future for everyone,” he said.
