The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has urged for focus to now shift from the ballot box to building stable, capable and accountable municipal councils that can deliver services to communities following the conclusion of the 2026 Local Government Elections.
The elections were held on Wednesday last week (4 November) with the final results announced by the Electoral Commission (IEC) on Sunday evening (8 November).
As political parties move to constitute municipal councils within the prescribed 14-day period, SALGA has urged political parties, particularly those in hung councils, to prioritise the interests of communities.
A hung council is one where no single political party has won an outright majority.
“Coalition arrangements must promote stability, accountability, effective oversight and continuity in service delivery, rather than lead to political instability that weakens municipal performance,” the association said.
SALGA commended the IEC for the successful administration of the 2026 Local Government Elections and thanked millions of South Africans who exercised their democratic right to choose their local representatives.
The association noted that the successful conclusion of another local government elections affirms the resilience and maturity of South Africa’s democracy.
However, SALGA emphasised that the next phase must focus on translating the electoral mandate into effective local governance.
“The focus must now shift from the ballot box to building stable, capable and accountable municipal councils that can deliver for communities,” SALGA said.
The association has committed to supporting incoming councils as they assume responsibility for the seventh term of democratic local government, which comes at a critical time for the sector, as the country enters a new phase of strengthening developmental local government following the approval of the revised White Paper on Local Government.
Once councils have been constituted, SALGA, working with government and other partners, will roll out the Integrated Councillor Induction Programme (ICIP) to equip councillors with the knowledge and practical skills required to fulfil their representative, legislative and oversight responsibilities effectively.
“The election has given communities their voice.
“The responsibility now rests with the incoming councils to turn that democratic mandate into stable governance, accountable leadership and reliable services,” SALGA stated.
Meanwhile, the association has expressed concern over incidents of political violence and killings reported during the 2026 Local Government Elections period.
SALGA conveyed its condolences to the families who lost loved ones and condemned violence and intimidation in the country’s democratic processes.
“There can be no place for violence or intimidation in South Africa’s democratic process,” the association said.
SALGA urged law enforcement agencies to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice and that citizens and public representatives are able to participate in democratic processes without fear. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Original report at SAnews.gov.za.
