By Mapaballo Borotho
- COGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has urged South Africans to use the 2026 local elections to vote for better leadership and improved service delivery.
- He encouraged frustrated citizens not to withdraw from the democratic process despite growing dissatisfaction with political parties.
- The local government elections are scheduled to take place on 4 November 2026.
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has called on South Africans to use the upcoming local government elections to elect councillors capable of delivering reliable services instead of abstaining from voting.
This, as South Africa prepares for the local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026.
The elections come at a time when many South Africans remain uncertain about which political party to support, amid growing frustration over unemployment, poor service delivery, corruption allegations, and the rising cost of living.
The African National Congress (ANC), the party that led South Africa to democracy, continues to face criticism from some residents who accuse it of corruption and failing to adequately address the country’s challenges over the past three decades.
The ANC also lost its outright majority in the 2024 national elections, forcing it to enter into a collaboration with opposition parties, and political analysts are closely watching how the party will perform in the upcoming local polls.
Government officials and political leaders have also faced criticism over what many South Africans describe as a growing disconnect between elected leaders and the daily realities faced by ordinary citizens.
Velenkosini Hlabisa, leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and COGTA Minister in the Government of National Unity (GNU), said voters should use the ballot box to remove underperforming local government leaders.
Speaking on the sidelines of the official 2026 local government elections launch in Midrand on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, Hlabisa encouraged citizens to channel their frustrations into meaningful democratic participation.
He urged South Africans not to disengage from the electoral process, but instead to vote for leaders who will improve governance and service delivery in their communities.
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