As the 2026 local government elections approach, a new generation of leaders is emerging in South Africa. Four young candidates under the age of 30 are contesting wards in various municipalities, bringing diverse experiences and ambitions to the race. Amahle Banda reported on November 4, 2026, that these young candidates are seeking to represent their communities and address everyday problems affecting residents. Their involvement in politics has been shaped by community engagement, student activism, and personal goals.
The young candidates are contesting wards in different municipalities across South Africa. Indiphile Ralo and Yonela Tshaka are vying for Ward 12 in Makhanda's Makana Municipality, while Thembisile Seabutla is contesting Ward 22 in Steve Tshwete Municipality in Mpumalanga. Aphelele Manyana is also in the running for Ward 10 in Buffalo City Municipality. Each candidate has a unique background and motivation for entering politics. Their participation raises questions about the role of younger people in local government and their potential to bring fresh perspectives to decision-making.
For Thembisile Seabutla, her journey into politics began with attending community meetings and asking questions about issues affecting residents. Her involvement gradually deepened, leading her to join the Democratic Alliance and participate in the DA Young Leaders Programme for 2026. Seabutla's experience and leadership skills have prepared her to contest Ward 22 in Steve Tshwete Municipality. Her entry into politics reflects a desire to address community concerns and take responsibility for local decision-making.
Yonela Tshaka's involvement in politics has been shaped by her experience in student leadership and activism. As chairperson of the Economic Freedom Fighters Youth Command at Rhodes University, Tshaka has been involved in various student initiatives and is now contesting Ward 12 in Makhanda. Her experience in student politics has equipped her to engage with broader community issues and decisions affecting residents beyond the university.
Indiphile Ralo, a Democratic Alliance candidate in Makana, has long been interested in leadership and set specific goals, including becoming mayor before turning 30. He believes Makana Municipality needs urgent attention, particularly regarding basic services such as clean drinking water, reliable electricity, and safer neighbourhoods. Ralo's background in student leadership, work experience, and qualifications in political science, international relations, and history have prepared him for public office.
Aphelele Manyana, contesting Ward 10 in Buffalo City Municipality, brings another unique perspective to the elections. The participation of these young candidates highlights the importance of youth involvement in local government. While being young does not automatically qualify someone for office, their experiences and ambitions can bring fresh perspectives to decision-making. Residents will need to evaluate each candidate's experience, understanding of local issues, and ability to deliver on promises.
The entry of these young candidates into the local government elections underscores the need for new perspectives in addressing community challenges. As local government faces growing pressure to deliver basic services and address everyday problems, the involvement of younger people can bring new ideas and energy to the decision-making process. Ultimately, residents will decide who they want to represent their wards and address the challenges facing their communities.
Key points
- Four young South African candidates under 30 are contesting local government elections.
- The candidates have diverse backgrounds and motivations for entering politics.
- Their participation highlights the importance of youth involvement in local government.
