14 Days to Fix Local: From service delivery to migration, local elections 2026 underscore what really matters to Mzansi
In the next few days we are likely to learn much about the personal egos of certain leaders. In the meantime it is important to reflect on what the local elections have revealed about voters and the future direction of South Africa.
In the upcoming South African local elections set for 2026, the significance of service delivery has become evident, with many voters prioritizing this aspect. The Democratic Alliance (DA) capitalised on this theme, setting the tone for most election debates and successfully holding onto its majority in Cape Town while increasing its black voter share in wards of Gugulethu and Khayelitsha. This highlights the importance of service delivery in the eyes of voters.
The African National Congress (ANC) appears to struggle in local elections where it does not hold power, suggesting that the party's national slide in support is likely to continue. Consequently, the ANC may face challenges in coalition negotiations led by national leadership in the future.
Campaigning plays a crucial role in elections, and its ineffectiveness can lead to punishment. The ANC's failure to campaign effectively in areas such as Joburg, due to internal disputes, may have contributed to its poor performance. Additionally, candidates matter, as the ANC's lack of clear local candidate announcements negatively impacted the party's electoral prospects.
Migration issues are becoming increasingly significant in South African politics. The movement known as March and March may benefit from voter discontent, with ActionSA emerging as a strong contender in Gauteng, particularly in Tshwane and Atteridgeville. Voters seeking a focus on migration issues may be drawn to ActionSA.
Unfortunately, many South African politicians seem unable to introspect about their performance. Instead of taking responsibility for their shortcomings, they often blame external factors. This inability to learn from mistakes and adapt may hinder their ability to change direction and improve. As the results of these elections teach us more about voter sentiments, effective campaigning, and the importance of accountability, parties now have two weeks to form coalitions in hung councils, which may provide further insights into their willingness to act rationally and responsibly.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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