Political parties have intensified campaigning in KwaZulu-Natal municipalities ahead of South Africa’s local government elections on 4 November.
The Democratic Alliance launched its KwaDukuza manifesto on the north coast, with commitments focused on corruption, water interruptions and electricity problems in the municipality, SABC News reported.
The commitments are campaign promises and will depend on the party’s electoral support and its ability to form or influence the council after the vote.
In eThekwini, ActionSA held a clean-up campaign in Newlands East and welcomed councillor Gloria Zungu after her departure from the ANC. The move adds to the contest for councillors and voters in the province’s largest metro.
The ANC in eThekwini, meanwhile, condemned damage to its election posters along the M4 in northern Durban. The party described the incidents as political provocation and called for tolerance. Its account of the vandalism is attributed to the party.
The weekend activity shows campaigns moving from national launches to municipality-specific contests. Water, electricity, clean neighbourhoods and the conduct of local councils are emerging as recurring themes.
Voters elect ward councillors and parties for proportional-representation seats. The final balance in each council determines which parties or coalitions can elect a mayor and form an administration.
Candidate lists and local manifestos will remain under scrutiny as parties compete across KwaZulu-Natal before the November poll.
