First-time Cape Town voter Michelle Mulol wants more jobs and affordable housing - IOL

First-time voter Michelle Mulol cast her ballot at Mowbray Town Hall during the 2026 local government elections.

More jobs and lower housing costs are top priorities for first-time voter Michelle Mulol, who hopes Cape Town’s newly elected local government leaders will do more to improve opportunities and living conditions for young people.

The student cast her first ballot at Mowbray Town Hall during the local government elections on Wednesday, November 4, saying she had been surprised by how quick and easy the process was.

Mulol said she had expected long queues after hearing reports that voters could wait as long as six hours.

“It was very unexpected. I heard a lot of speculation that you were going to wait for six hours in queues, but it was actually very quick and very easy,” she said.

Her decision to vote was driven by a belief that people should stand up for those whose voices are not always heard and participate in decisions affecting their communities.

“I really believe in standing up for people who don't have as much of a voice. Every person has a right to protect other people, and every little vote counts,” she said.

As a student and young voter, Mulol wants the incoming local government leadership to pay greater attention to challenges facing young South Africans, particularly unemployment and the cost of housing.

“I would like to see more employment in general and lower housing costs,” she said.

Her priorities reflect concerns raised by other Cape Town residents during the election campaign, with jobs, housing and the cost of living featuring prominently in discussions about the city's future.

The need for more opportunities for young people has also been a recurring issue in Cape Town's local government election debate.

Mulol also urged young people who may not fully understand the importance of voting to recognise the influence they can have when they participate.

She said young people made up a significant part of South Africa’s population and had the collective ability to influence the country's future.

“The youth make up a huge part of South Africa's population, and I think we really do have a huge voice and a huge impact. If we use that huge voice, we can make a huge difference.”

Her message is that young people's participation should extend beyond election day, with voters continuing to hold elected representatives accountable for addressing the challenges facing their communities.