As South Africa debates the implementation of mandatory vaccination policies to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, many adults remain unpersuaded of the need and benefits of vaccination. Several surveys suggest this is particularly true for younger adults and for those living in low-income communities. Therefore, we sought the views of youth training to become community health workers (CHWs) as a youth group at the intersection of the community and the health system. This research was conducted in a township of South Africa, a country with a long history of political mistrust. Using semi-structured interviews and an interview guide, we explored young CHWs (n=20) perceptions of vaccine hesitancy for themselves, their peers and the community. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and thematic analysis was undertaken. Findings suggest widespread COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in this community, especially amongst young people. Reported reasons for this hesitancy appear linked to a complex interrelated network of factors, including uncertainty about the outcome and effectiveness of the vaccines; fear of the vaccines, driven by a myriad of rumours and conspiracy theories within the community; a lack of control of other people’s behaviour and a desire not to be controlled especially by the government but at the same time a resignation towards impending mandatory vaccine policies; and a lack of trust particularly in the government’s intentions with vaccine rollout and their health messaging. While mandatory vaccination policies in several organisations have shown success, with South Africa’s complex social history and recent civil unrest, the rollout of any mandatory vaccination policy will require careful health messaging with a focus on trust-building between communities, health systems and authorities through more personalised approaches that consider contextual nuances.