Elections 2026 | Is your municipality keeping you healthy?

Ahead of South Africa's local government elections on November 4th, Health-e News is investigating how municipal services and their shortcomings impact people's health with a new series titled: "Elections 2026: Is Your Municipality Keeping You Healthy?" While provincial health departments oversee clinics, hospitals, and medical staff, municipalities are responsible for numerous factors shaping community health.

These include clean water, functioning sanitation, reliable waste removal, stormwater drainage, safe food environments, and accessible roads. When local services falter, communities suffer.

The scale of these issues is evident. The government's Green Drop Report revealed that 47% of South Africa's wastewater treatment systems are in critical condition, up from 39% in 2022. The Department of Water and Sanitation warns that this deterioration strains water resources, the environment, and public health. This investigative series arrives amid widespread dissatisfaction with local government.

A 2026 Afrobarometer survey found that 70% of South Africans believe their local councillor is doing a poor job, with only 17% reporting councillors often or always listen to ordinary citizens. The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) highlights the magnitude of the infrastructure challenge, with 73% of South Africa's Water Services Authorities rated critical or poor in 2023 assessments by the Department of Water and Sanitation.

However, wastewater is merely one aspect of a broader public health crisis. This series will delve deeper into the consequences of failing water and sanitation systems, uncollected refuse, burning waste near homes, deteriorating roads, and broken infrastructure on people's health. Health-e News will document these issues on the ground through its network of Community Journalists.

They seek stories, photos, or tips from residents across South Africa to hold local leaders accountable. If municipal failure is affecting health in your area, share your experiences with editor@health-e.org.za and contribute to this important accountability effort.