Government has called on incoming councillors to be transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of the communities they serve.
The call follows last week’s Local Government Elections, in which registered voters across the country exercised their democratic right to elect councillors and help shape service delivery in their communities.
“Government extends its sincere thanks to all South Africans, especially those who turned out in their numbers to exercise their democratic right to vote in the Local Government Elections and make their voices heard at the polls. The participation of more than 540 political parties and nearly 137,000 candidates in the elections reflects the vibrancy of South Africa’s democracy,” Deputy Government Spokesperson William Baloyi said in a statement on Monday.
Government also congratulated incoming councillors and wished them well as they take on their responsibilities to serve communities.
“Government also commends the IEC, its officials, the South African Police Service and all other stakeholders for their efforts in administering a safe election.
“The declaration by the IEC that the election was free and fair reflects a strengthened democracy,” Baloyi said.
As President Cyril Ramaphosa said during his address at the IEC Results Operation Centre, “at a time when democracy is under strain in many parts of the world, South Africans have once more demonstrated that ours is a strong and enduring democracy.”
Baloyi said the conclusion of the 2026 Local Government Election and the announcement of the results by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) mark a key milestone in South Africa’s democratic journey.
“The Local Government Election is an important instrument of democratisation, reflecting South Africans’ resolve to shape the future of their communities through active participation in local democracy,” he said. –SAnews.gov.za
Source: Original report at SAnews.gov.za.
