As South Africans head to the polls, Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela calls on students and young people to exercise their democratic right, participate peacefully, and help shape the future of their communities through active civic engagement
*MINISTThe Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela, has called on all eligible students and young people to participate in the 2026 Local Government Elections today on 4 November 2026.
For some students, these elections will be their first opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote. The Minister has encouraged them to embrace this responsibility and recognise the significance of a right that was secured through generations of struggle and sacrifice.
As the Minister responsible for higher education and training, he emphasised that education should equip young people with the skills and capacity to think critically, understand their rights and responsibilities, and participate meaningfully in society.
Local government is the sphere of government closest to people’s daily lives. Municipal decisions directly affect the communities where students and young people live, study, and work.
“You have the right to question. You have the right to disagree. You have the right to demand better. And you have the right to choose who you believe should represent you. But with these rights comes the responsibility to participate,” said Minister Manamela.
The Minister urged students not to let frustration, disappointment, or cynicism convince them that their participation does not matter.
“Democracy is not sustained only by those who hold public office. It is sustained by citizens who participate in it. Young people are an important part of our society, and your experiences, aspirations and concerns matter and so does your participation.”
The Minister further encouraged students to verify where they are registered to vote and to cast their ballots at their designated voting stations. He called on all students to participate peacefully and to respect the choices of fellow South Africans.
“Let us demonstrate that the young people of South Africa are informed, engaged and prepared to play their part in strengthening our democracy,” concluded Minister Manamela.
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