They do not blame any party for the lack of improvement in their lives, but are generally disillusioned with politics. They say it has become clear that people do not matter - only money. Last month he applied for a job as a messenger, but did not get it. Crime is actually getting worse than it was four or five years ago. For us there's nothing but to live in the ghettos.
Political parties acknowledge the youth's disenchantment with politics.
Western Cape United Democratic Movement secretary Malizole Diko is 28 years old and can relate to some of the disillusionment. He says it is clear many youngsters have lost interest in politics because they feel neglected. At a meeting at the University of the Western Cape, he says, students asked him how they could believe politicians when promises of loans and bursaries had not materialised. Diko says youths need to actively participate in politics and force politicians to take note of their concerns. African National Congress provincial representative Cameron Dugmore says the party has managed to capture young voters predominantly in Cape Town's townships, but also on the Cape Flats, with awareness drives during the registration period.