APC to contest 2026 LGE in 7 provinces

African People’s Convention (APC) President Themba Godi announced that the party will contest local government elections (LGE) in seven provinces of South Africa, excluding the Western Cape and Northern Cape. Speaking during an election campaign in Driehoek near Mahikeng, in the North West province, Godi highlighted the party's efforts to rebuild its presence in the province.

They will contest in four municipalities in the Bojanala district and three in the Ngaka Modiri Molema district, aiming to regain a stronger foothold in the North West local authorities, particularly in rural and neglected areas.

The President emphasized that the decision to contest in selected municipalities is a strategic move. The APC has registered to contest the upcoming Local Government Elections in 58 municipalities across seven provinces, excluding the Western Cape and Northern Cape. In the North West, the party will focus on four municipalities in Bojanala, excluding Kgetlheng, and three in Ngaka Modiri Molema, including Ratlou, Mahikeng, and Ditsobotla.

Godi stated that the party's approach involves visiting neglected rural communities to ensure residents feel included in the democratic process. He explained that the APC traditionally targets these areas to gain the trust and support of the electorate. The President acknowledged the high expectations of desperate residents, who are frustrated with the performance of political parties in addressing their needs.

Residents expressed their desire for change and improvement in their villages, highlighting issues such as lack of schools, social services, clean water, and electricity.

The APC, like other political parties, faces the challenge of meeting the demands of frustrated residents. While the party intends to contest local government elections in the North West, it remains to be seen whether it can effectively persuade the electorate to vote for them in November.