As the municipal elections approach in South Africa, young Jewish South Africans are eager to make their voices heard. Many believe that the decisions made at the ballot box will have a direct impact on their daily lives, from service delivery and safety to job opportunities and the future of Johannesburg. According to Jacob Hanson, a 20-year-old BCom Finance student at the University of the Witwatersrand, local government is where the future is decided.
Hanson, who is also the national vice-chair of the South African Union of Jewish Students, emphasizes the importance of holding local government accountable. He believes that young people often feel that their vote doesn't count, but staying home only hands the decision to someone else. With the Jewish community being small, every vote matters even more. Showing up to vote is how they earn a seat at the table and make sure their voices are heard.
Jonathan Landau, a 20-year-old political officer for SAUJS Wits, shares a similar sentiment. After being exposed to student governance at university, he realizes how important elections are. Landau notes that social media has played a significant role in these elections, with parties like the Democratic Alliance making a massive effort in campaigning online directly towards youth and new voters.
Landau believes that it is necessary to educate oneself on politics and keep discussions open. He has been amazed by the influence of social media in political campaigning, from banners on light poles to videos of politicians swimming in potholes. The conversations at dinner tables, in cars, or at work are all engaging with election-related content online daily.
Ben Shmukler, a 23-year-old studying electrical engineering at Wits, believes his vote on November 4 is about shaping the South Africa his children will grow up in. He wants them to be able to grow up in a country where they feel safe, where basic services work, and where they have access to the resources they need to build the best lives for themselves.
Shmukler wants to live and work in a city that functions properly, with roads without potholes, working traffic lights, and maintained infrastructure. Landau is excited to vote in his first municipal elections and make his mark for his city. He feels encouraged by parties to vote, especially those that have made him reflect on the state of affairs in Johannesburg and his Jewish community.
Beyond service delivery, Jacob Boner, 22, who is studying towards an honours degree, explains that he is voting on November 4 because he knows how important it is to do so. He believes that many people fought for the incredible, lively democracy and the amazing rights they have in this country, and it would be a shame to let that go to waste.
Key points
- Young Jewish South Africans are actively engaging with the upcoming municipal elections.
- They believe that voting is crucial for shaping their future and holding local government accountable.
- Social media has played a significant role in these elections, with parties campaigning online directly towards youth and new voters.
