Empowerment at the Heart of Ikageng: Youth Courage Foundation and IEC Unite for Voter Education

The vibrant energy of Ikageng Stadium shifted from sports to civic duty this week as the Youth Courage Arts, Culture and Sports (ACS) Foundation hosted a pivotal voter education session in collaboration with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).

With the 2026 Local Government Elections on the horizon, the stadium, usually a hub for local soccer matches and dance rehearsals, transformed into a classroom for democracy. Field workers from the IEC engaged directly with local youth, providing them with the practical tools and knowledge required to navigate the upcoming electoral cycle.

Bridging the Gap at Ikageng Stadium

The choice of Ikageng Stadium as the venue was no coincidence. As a central landmark for the community, it provided an accessible space for young people to gather and discuss the future of their wards. The session focused on turning "voter apathy into voter action," emphasizing that local government decisions made in council chambers directly affect the facilities and opportunities available at places like Ikageng Stadium.

Key highlights of the engagement included:

• The Three-Ballot System: A deep dive into the 2026 voting structure to ensure every vote is cast correctly and counts.

• Voter Management Devices (VMDs): Demonstrations on how the IEC uses technology to streamline registration and prevent fraud.

• The Power of One: Interactive workshops on how local councillors are held accountable for service delivery, from sports infrastructure to community safety.

An Empowered Youth is an Informed Youth

The Youth Courage ACS Foundation has long used arts and sports as a "hook" to mentor and lead the next generation. By integrating voter education into their regular programming at the stadium, they are ensuring that their participants are not only talented athletes and artists but also active, informed citizens.

Looking Forward to the 2026 Polls

As South Africa prepares for the elections (expected between November 2026 and January 2027), this partnership serves as a blueprint for grassroots mobilization. The IEC field workers emphasized that registration remains the first critical step, encouraging all eligible young people to utilize the IEC’s digital platforms or attend upcoming registration weekends.

The Youth Courage ACS Foundation continues to lead the charge in Potchefstroom, proving that whether it's through a soccer ball, a paintbrush, or a ballot paper, the youth of Ikageng are ready to make their mark.