While thousands of residents across the Free State participated in the first day of the 2026 local government elections voter registration weekend, conversations at various voting stations revealed a story of frustration and growing disillusionment, particularly among young people.
According to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), registration officials attended to 61 791 voters across the province’s 1 614 voting stations on Saturday. The figures included 7 475 new voter registrations, 39 503 voters who re-registered in the same voting district, and 14 813 voters who changed their voting districts.
Of those who registered, 4 389 were young people between the ages of 18 and 21, while 401 registrations came from citizens aged 16 and 17 years, reflecting continued youth engagement in the democratic process.
Political parties from across the spectrum used the registration weekend to encourage voter participation, particularly among young people.
Speaking to some of the community members who showed up for registration, many young people voiced concerns about unemployment, poor service delivery, corruption, and unfulfilled promises.
They say they feel forgotten by leaders who appear during election campaigns but are absent when communities face daily struggles.
Bonolo Motlogelo, from Gatvol informal settlement in Bloemfontein, said she will not be casting her vote because she does not have a house saying that she was not chosen for the Louriepark placement.
“How will I vote when I don’t have a house. I keep being told that my name does not appear in the Louriepark list.
“All my neighbours are moving and I will be staying alone as a female and it’s not safe. I will only vote the day we get recognised, she said.
We encountered sewer spills flowing through residential streets, roads scarred by potholes, open fields littered with waste, and public parks where children should be able to play but instead are surrounded by overgrown grass and waste.
The residents also pointed to unfinished and abandoned projects that have become symbols of frustration in their communities. From incomplete housing developments to half-built structures standing idle for years, many questioned how projects launched with great fanfare could remain unfinished while residents continue waiting for services and answers.
Despite these concerns, there were also voices of optimism.
The African National Congress (ANC) Youth League Branch Secretary of ward 3 in Mangaung, Mncedisi Ncokaza seemed content with the number of youth registering and their interest in the political atmosphere,
“The youth is not that disgruntled we just need to emphasise the importance of voting, go back to the ground and accept that as the ANC, we did not meet the needs of the youth as we were supposed to.
“I know that as the leadership of the ANC, we will make sure in the coming elections that we meet the needs of young people,” he said.
ANC Ward 3 Councillor Tshepiso Oudious Machachamise urged residents, particularly young people, to register and participate in the democratic process.
She emphasised that voting remains one of the most important rights citizens can exercise.
“The most important thing is that when you vote, you exercise your right.
“Our main focus now is to ensure that young people come out and vote for change. When you vote, you express your views and help shape the future of your community. Through voting, people can advocate for better service delivery, meaningful change, and more employment opportunities. That is why everybody must come out and vote,” said Machachamise.
The IEC through a media statement encouraged all eligible citizens who have not yet registered to make use of the final day of the registration weekend and ensure their details are up to date ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.
