First-time voters share hopes as 2026 local elections get under way

Young South Africans were among those casting their ballots on Wednesday in the 2026 Local Government Elections, with several first-time voters telling SAnews they hope their votes will bring change where they live.

“I want to be part of the change”

Nicole Mageza, 25, from Kempton Park, was voting for the first time. She told SAnews.gov.za that a video she watched online helped her decide. In it, a speaker compared voting to applause: no one person can create a round of applause alone, but a crowd can.

“I want to be part of a collective that makes a difference,” Mageza said. She said she would rather help bring about change than sit back and complain about the economy.

Mageza grew up in Limpopo and often went with her parents to their polling station, but could only watch. She said she had long wanted the mark left on a voter’s thumb. She described voting as a continuation of the struggle that allowed her generation to be born in a democracy.

Service delivery and jobs on voters’ minds

Other young voters spoke about problems in their own areas. Nikiwe Ndawonde, a first-time voter from Kimberley, said she wants democratic change in Galeshewe, adding that “things are bad”.

Angelique Abrahams said she voted because she wants something different, and she was glad to have made her voice heard.

Tumelo Chiloane said he voted in the hope that service delivery will improve in his municipality. He also raised unemployment, saying “we do not have jobs in the townships”. He said he wants the candidate he voted for to bring change, especially in service delivery.

Mpho Malona, a Mohlakeng resident, said she was happy to vote and was there “for the youth”.

What this means for voters

According to SAnews, voting stations opened at 7am on Wednesday and stay open until 9pm. Anyone who is still inside the boundaries of a voting station when it closes will be assisted, even after 9pm.

Voters who have not yet cast their ballots still have until the evening to do so at their voting station.

This story is based on reporting by SAnews.