The Lekwa Local Municipality successfully hosted a Voter Education Youth Dialogue led by Gert Sibande District Municipality, Speaker of Council Cllr. Busisiwe Sekhonde in partnership with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), providing an important platform to educate and empower young people on democracy, active citizenship and the importance of participating in elections, at the Stanwest Community Hall.
Delivering the welcoming remarks, the Executive Mayor of Lekwa Local Municipality, Cllr. Sifiso Mngemezulu, welcomed all guests and participants to the dialogue.
“It is encouraging to see so many young people gathered here to learn about their democratic rights and responsibilities. The future of our municipalities and our country depend on the active participation of young people. I encourage every eligible young person to register to vote, exercise their constitutional right, and become agents of positive change in their communities,” said Executive Mayor Mngemezulu.
Cllr. Sekhonde has actively been running a voter education and registration campaign across the district during the month of July 2026 which ended on a high note having called the youth to make their mark by participating in the democratic process.
The dialogue was enriched by insights from former Minister and member of parliament, Dr. Malusi Gigaba, who encouraged young people to become informed, responsible and active citizens who play a meaningful role in building stronger communities and a prosperous South Africa.
Addressing the youth who filled the hall, Dr. Gigaba encouraged young people to actively participate in the democratic agenda of South Africa by registering to vote and exercising their constitutional right at the upcoming Local Government Elections on 4 November 2026. He emphasised that the voices of young people matter and that their participation is essential in shaping responsive, accountable and developmental local government.
Through such initiatives, both municipalities continue to invest in civic education and youth empowerment, ensuring that young people are equipped to participate confidently in the country’s democratic processes and contribute meaningfully to strengthening local democracy.
