Digital Tools Key to Boosting Youth Participation in SA’s Electoral Democracy

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Electoral Officer Ntombifuthi Masinga highlighted the consistent downward trend in youth voter turnout.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa has emphasised the urgent need to harness digital platforms more effectively to encourage young people to participate in the country’s electoral democracy. This call was made during a seminar on digital technology held in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday, ahead of the upcoming 2026 local government elections.

The seminar aimed to bring together diverse stakeholders to explore how digital technologies can transform youth interest, awareness, and engagement in electoral processes — an area where participation has been steadily declining.

Seminar Aimed at Transforming Digital Engagement

Under the theme “Digital Democracy: Leveraging Digital Technology to Promote Youth Participation”, the event drew participants from political parties, academic institutions, youth organisations, student bodies and civil society. The discussions centred on how to better connect with young people who primarily consume information through digital channels.

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Electoral Officer Ntombifuthi Masinga highlighted the consistent downward trend in youth voter turnout. She said the seminar created space for honest dialogue and practical strategies to convert online activism into real-world political engagement.

Digital Transformation Essential for Modern Democracy

Professor Upasana Gitanjali Singh, academic leader in Information Systems and Technology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, argued that youth participation could be strengthened through targeted investment in digital innovation.

“Digital transformation is not optional. It is driven by the expectations of our citizens, especially our youth,” she said.

Speakers Thabile Mdluli (CCDSA) and Bayanda Gumbi (Luma Learn) reinforced the point that institutions must reach young people where they already are — on social media and interactive digital platforms. Mdluli added that voting must become an everyday conversation embedded in community life.

Importance of Bridging the Digital Divide

Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) official Josias Pila noted that for digital engagement to succeed, South Africa must continue efforts to bridge the digital divide. Unequal access to data, devices and connectivity remains a major barrier, particularly in rural and under-resourced communities.

Commission Expands Digital Communications

Over recent years, the Electoral Commission has grown its digital footprint with strong community engagement on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and WhatsApp, amassing nearly 500 000 followers across platforms. Looking ahead, the Commission will launch:

• A dedicated podcast platform in 2026

• An enhanced WhatsApp channel for real-time interactions with voters, media and stakeholders

These initiatives aim to create accessible, youth-friendly spaces for civic education, election updates and voter engagement.

Online Voter Registration: A Game-Changer

Professor Singh highlighted the Commission’s online voter registration portal as one of the most significant digital innovations transforming youth access to democracy. Instead of travelling to registration stations or relying on limited registration weekends, young people can now register using their smartphones within minutes at:

🔗 https://registertovote.elections.org.za/

She noted that this shift removes major barriers — transport costs, long distances, unstable accommodation, or study-related relocations — by making registration seamless and mobile.

“It turns voter registration from an administrative hurdle into a simple digital action young people can complete in the same space where they order food or chat with friends,” Singh said.

Civic Responsibility: Keep Registration Details Updated

Citizens are reminded to register to vote in the voting district where they reside. Those who have moved since their last registration should update their address details online to ensure accurate placement within their correct ward.

As digital tools expand and the Commission deepens its youth engagement strategy, stakeholders agree that strengthening digital democracy will be essential for fostering a vibrant, participatory, and informed electorate — especially among young South Africans.