Rustenburg - Jobs and economic opportunities for the youth have been some of the foremost issues raised in rallies ahead of voting in the municipal elections on Wednesday.
This focus on youth issues, which has seen political parties employ different methods, was intended to woo young votes in these elections.
From employing the popular “dabbing” dance move, to throwing music parties with celebrities, to releasing hip hop songs and the use of social media, political parties were seemingly targeting the young voter.
But according to a youth policy think tank, analysis of the main political parties' manifestos showed very little real focus paid to young people.
“There were mentions of unemployment and what parties want to do but interventions that were specific to young people were very low,” said Pearl Pillay, director YouthLab.
“No one really went to a great detail and focus on youth issues.”
Yet, Pillay said, that there was a big push among political parties during rallies in this election to be seen to be youthfully trendy and vibrant.
They employed various strategies to draw young people from across social spectrum in an effort to cut the slice of their vote.
For Pillay however, vibrancy and trends at political rallies were not enough to influence young voters.
“You cannot invite celebrities and think that will guarantee you youth votes. It's vibrant but it is also a fickle attempt,” she said. “From a quantitative point of view, young people have potential to be significant in voting in elections to decide where the country goes but I don't think you will get that now.”
According to the IEC there were approximately 6.3 million voters registered aged between 18 and 29 years.
Kagiso Rapetsana, 22, a student from Tlhabane in Rustenburg, North West said he was hopeful that the youth vote would be the deciding factor in this elections.
He expected whoever wins the elections to focus far more on programmes that are aimed at young people.
“There are so many things happening now that as young people we feel excluded from,” he said. “When people make mistakes now they are going to affect us in the future. I want a government that is going to ensure the youth are a driving force in economic development, technology and infrastructure expansion.”
He said more universities needed to be built in towns like Rustenburg young people wanted to develop and skill themselves.
“We need education and economic development to create more job opportunities for the youth,” he added. “As young people when it comes to voting we are as divided as the rest of society is but at least we know what we want and how we want it.”
Another student, Refilwe Isaka, said she would like to see more support given to school leaving youth and graduates. She also wanted to see more jobs being created to reduce unemployment.
But for Keletso Phatshwane, 24, who finished his electrical engineering course yet struggled to find work, there wasn't much he expected after the elections.
“I am not even sure I will bother to wake up and go vote. I feel like my vote will not change anything,” he said. “I have had to enrol back at the college after finishing my course just to avoid being at home and doing nothing. I have been looking for learnerships for over a year now.”
@thabiso_tk
Elections Bureau