The use of digital platforms must be used optimally to encourage the youth to participate in electoral democracy.
This was the call made at the Electoral Commission’s seminar on digital technology held in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday, ahead of the forthcoming local government elections.
The seminar was initiated to engage various stakeholders on how digital tools and technologies can inspire and drive young people to actively participate in electoral processes.
Held under the theme: “Digital Democracy: Leveraging Digital Technology to Promote Youth Participation”, the event was attended by representatives from various sectors, including political leaders, academics, youth organisations, students and civil society.
Ntombifuthi Masinga, the Provincial Electoral Officer in KwaZulu Natal, said research continues to show a decline in voter participation among young people.
She said the seminar provided an opportunity to initiate robust conversations that could translate youth digital activism into active participation in electoral processes.
Professor Upasana Gitanjali Singh, academic leader in Information Systems and Technology at the University of KwaZulu Natal, said the participation of young people in electoral democracy can be strengthened if institutions invest in digital innovations.
“Today, the need before us is digital transformation, an imperative driven not only by technological advancement but by the expectations and behaviours of our citizens, especially our youth,” Singh said.
Thabile Mdluli, from the Centre for Community Development South Africa (CCDSA) and Bayanda Gumbi from Luma Learn echoed Singh’s sentiments and encouraged organisations to meet young people where they were on digital platforms.
“Voting should be an everyday conversation, that should be held by all of us in our different capacities to ensure that young people are always well informed and know how to tackle key issues that affect them,” Mdluli said.
Josias Pila, Director of Intergovernmental Coordination and Stakeholder Management at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), said bridging the digital divide will enable meaningful participation of young people in elections and civic life.
The commission has, over the years, used various digital platforms including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and WhatsApp to interact with the followers and has about 500 000 followers across these platforms.
The commission will in 2026 introduce its own podcast platform and an improved WhatsApp channel to interact with voters, the media and other stakeholders.
Singh said the Electoral Commission’s online voter registration portal was one of many digital innovations necessary to encourage youth participation in democratic processes. Voters can register or update their details online on https://registertovote.elections.org.za/
“Registering to vote used to require physical presence at a station, access to transport, and awareness of registration weekends—barriers that disproportionately affected young people who were studying far from home, frequently moving between residences, or living in areas where transport was costly.
“Today, a young person can register in a few minutes using a smartphone. They can update their address instantly when they move for studies or work. They no longer depend on sporadic registration weekends or travel logistics.
“This shift is profound: it takes voter registration from being an administrative burden to being a seamless digital experience—something a young person can do in the same space where they order food or communicate with friends,” Singh said.
Citizens are reminded to register to vote in voting districts of the wards where they are residents.
A registered voter who has moved since they last registered is urged to check and, if necessary, update their address details to ensure that they are registered in a ward linked to their new place of residence. - SAnews.gov.za
