Successful Local Government Elections must now translate into stable councils and better services
The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) commends the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) on the successful administration of the 2026 Local Government Elections and salutes millions of South Africans who exercised their democratic right to choose their local representatives.
The successful conclusion of another local government election affirms the resilience and maturity of South Africa’s democracy. The focus must now shift from the ballot box to building stable, capable and accountable municipal councils that can deliver for communities. As political parties move to constitute municipal councils within the prescribed period, SALGA urges parties, particularly in hung councils, to put the interests of communities first.
Coalition arrangements must promote stability, accountability, effective oversight and continuity in service delivery, rather than lead to political instability that weakens municipal performance. SALGA stands ready to support the incoming councils as they assume responsibility for the seventh term of democratic local government.
Their mandate comes at a critical moment 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 remains deeply concerned about incidents of political violence and killings reported during the 2026 local government election period and conveys its condolences to the families who lost loved ones. There can be no place for violence or intimidation in South Africa’s democratic process.
SALGA calls on 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.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Motalatale Modiba
E-mail: mmodiba@salga.org.za
Cell: 072 515 3022
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