April 27 1994 saw the first all inclusive general election  in South African history and in 2019 we'll be heading to our seventh, what a milestone! This was a day of euphoria and exhilaration, a day that many had died fighting in order for it to be possible and millions of our country's citizens were a part of it, from the youngest to the oldest, I wasn't there but I'm sure even those who couldn't legally participate stuck around to witness history in the makingg.

Fast forward twenty four years later, six elections under the belt, its not that exciting. Its just another day in South Africa and not nearly as many people are eager to participate as shown by the decrease of voter turnouts over the tears, especially among the youth. Apathy was long thought to be the reason behind our youths non-willingness to participate, but according to a 2016 study by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) this so-called apathy is the youth's disillusionment with the country's current political landscape. In the 2014 general elections, voter registration among would-be first time voters, 18 and 19 year olds was a measly 33%, well below the 73% average.
In the registration weekend of 10 and 11 march 2018, a total of 26, 160, 680 people registered to vote and only 219, 451 of those are first time voters.

I spoke to some would be first time voters in my community of Zonkizizwe and only 1 in three registers to vote in the next general election. An alarming number to say the least.

The reasons behind their seemingly, disinterested attitude vary between, corruption and unemployment and even the petrol price. The country is in crisis and our "leaders of tomorrow" have list faith in our current leadership and the parties they belong to.

According to an article on the SABC website, close to 500 parties will be contesting this years elections. Most of these parties are small and their agenda mostly revolves around local or regional issues not matters of national relevance.

One thing is for certain though, if these parties especially the ruling party and main oppositions want to get the young voters behind them, they need to change their approach in how they relate to the youth and address issues that concern them especially unemployment and education.

https://googleweblight.com/i?u=https://youthexplorer.org.za/profiles/province-GT-gauteng/&grqid=ir7D-sSl&s=1&hl=en-ZA
https://googleweblight.com/i?u=https://issafrica.org/about-us/press-releases/new-study-reveals-reasons-for-low-voter-turnout-among-sa-youth&hl=en-ZA