RISE Mzansi Urges Young Voters to Support New Leadership Amid South Africa’s Youth Unemployment Crisis
South Africa continues to grapple with a severe youth unemployment crisis, with official statistics revealing that nearly half of young people aged 15 to 34 are out of work. According to data released by Statistics South Africa for the second quarter of 2026, the unemployment rate for this age group rose to 47.4%, representing approximately five million young South Africans struggling to secure employment.
The overall unemployment rate in the country also increased during this period, climbing from 32.7% in the first quarter to 33.6% in the second quarter of 2026. The total number of unemployed individuals reached 8.5 million, with job losses reported across multiple sectors, including community and social services, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. Young people and Black women remain among the hardest hit by these economic challenges.
In response to this crisis, the political party RISE Mzansi is campaigning vigorously ahead of South Africa’s Local Government Elections scheduled for 4 November 2026. The party is calling for a new generation of ethical and capable leaders who can address youth unemployment and restore trust in governance. During a recent SABC Elections 360 debate, Palesa Mokholo, RISE Mzansi’s candidate for Ward 2 councillor, emphasised the urgent need for young people to support fresh leadership that understands their realities and can deliver meaningful solutions.
“Young people should be at the forefront of their voices and be able to tell us what their solutions are to their problems,” Mokholo said. She highlighted that unemployment among youth is at 47.4%, affecting around five million people, and stressed that real change must begin at the local government level. Mokholo criticised established parties, including the Democratic Alliance, for failing to effectively tackle youth unemployment and urged young voters to rally behind RISE Mzansi as an alternative.
RISE Mzansi’s platform focuses on rebuilding local economies, creating opportunities for young people, and promoting ethical governance. Their manifesto prioritises economic inclusion, youth development, and accountable leadership. The party is contesting multiple municipalities with candidates who pledge to serve communities with transparency and dedication.
The party’s emphasis on generational representation reflects a broader concern that current leadership structures have not adequately addressed the needs of South Africa’s youth. RISE Mzansi argues that bringing new voices into local government is essential for reversing the trend of rising unemployment and socio-economic exclusion.
South Africa’s government coalition formed in 2024 has implemented various economic reforms, but job creation has remained insufficient to meet the growing demand, particularly among younger populations. The persistent high unemployment rate contributes to a range of social challenges, including poverty, inequality, and diminished political agency for many citizens.
As the nation approaches the local elections, the call from RISE Mzansi and other stakeholders is clear: young South Africans must actively participate in the democratic process by voting for leaders who genuinely represent their interests and are committed to addressing youth unemployment. For many, this means backing new political actors like RISE Mzansi who promise to bring fresh energy, ethical leadership, and community-focused solutions to local government.