08/05/2026
COSAS REAFFIRMS THE POWER OF THE YOUTH VOTE AT EMALAHLENI MAYORAL DEBATE
EMALAHLENI, EASTERN CAPE – The Congress of South African Students (COSAS) today participated in a high impact schools debate hosted by the Honorable Mayor of Emalahleni, Cllr. N.F. Koni, at the Freemantle Boys High School Hall. The program, centered on the theme "The Importance of Voter Registration to Young People," served as a critical platform to address the growing concern of youth apathy ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.
As the leading voice for learners in the region, COSAS utilized this platform to debunk the dangerous myth that "one vote does not matter." In our address to the Grade 12 learners of Tambekile S.S.S, Mtirara S.S.S, Cacadu S.S.S, Freemantle Boys, Mhlontlo S.S.S, and Mt Arthur Girls, we made it clear: A vote is not just a mark on a paper; it is a demand for accountability and a shield against the neglect of our schools and communities.
On Youth Participation Beyond the Ballot:
COSAS further challenged the learners to look beyond the November 4th elections. Our message was firm: democracy does not end at the polling station. We called for a "365-Day Activism" model where students:
• Engage directly with Integrated Development Plan (IDP) meetings to influence municipal budgets.
• Monitor service delivery in their wards and schools through digital accountability.
• Join local decision-making structures to ensure the "youth voice" is not just heard, but implemented.
Conclusion:
COSAS commends the Emalahleni Local Municipality for involving the youth in this democratic dialogue. We remain committed to ensuring that every eligible learner is registered and that the youth of this region take their rightful place at the center of local governance.
Each One, Register One. Each One, Teach One.