RISE Mzansi urges young voters to back new leaders
Ongoing: Elections Hot
RISE Mzansi representative Palesa Mokholo said new, young leadership can tackle youth unemployment. She spoke at an election debate ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections and urged young people to vote for leaders who understand their needs.
Mokholo said unemployment is at 47% and that 47.4% of young people have no jobs. She estimated that around five million young people are without work. Statistics South Africa data puts the youth unemployment rate at approximately 50% when discouraged job seekers are counted, for the second quarter of 2026.
Mokholo said "the old ones have failed us, even the DA". She said young people should support structures and rally behind RISE Mzansi because the party is new and capable.
She also spoke about the kind of leaders she wants. "If we are able to have ethical leaders, that's what we need. We do need new leaders in our communities," Mokholo said.
Key facts
- Who
- Palesa Mokholo; RISE Mzansi (political party contesting the 2026 Local Government Elections); Statistics South Africa (source of youth unemployment data)
- What
- RISE Mzansi, ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections, called for a transition to young, new leadership to address youth unemployment, and Palesa Mokholo urged young people to vote for leaders who understand their needs.
- When
- 26 October 2026
- Where
- South Africa
- Status
- Reported