{
  "id": 16312520,
  "title": "The final climb to Polly Shorts: political parties are running out of road, but have they earned the medal?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/the-final-climb-to-polly-shorts-political-parties-are-running-out-of",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-24T10:21:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/opinion/2026-10-24-the-final-climb-to-polly-shorts-political-parties-are-running-out-of-road-but-have-they-earned-the-medal/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The final climb to Polly Shorts: political parties are running out of road, but have they earned the medal? The author recalls running the Comrades Marathon, particularly the grueling Up Run towards Pietermaritzburg, and the final climb known as Polly Shorts. Despite exhaustion and pain, conquering that hill brought a sense of accomplishment. This memory came to mind as South Africa's political parties approached the local government elections scheduled for November 4, 2026. With only two weeks left, the author wonders if the politicians understand the difference between approaching victory and earning it. Some appear confident, while others seem exhausted or desperate to recover lost ground. The author notes that some parties have learned from past mistakes and returned better prepared, while others may falter.\n\nHowever, there is a troubling aspect to this political marathon. While politicians are fatigued from campaigning, South Africans are growing weary of waiting for effective governance. The author compares this to the exhaustion felt by runners during a Comrades Marathon, where confidence fades as the distance increases. Recent reports of ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula collapsing after an emotionally charged political engagement highlight the immense pressures of political leadership. The ANC attributed the incident to emotional exhaustion, but the broader demands of campaigning are evident.\n\nMeanwhile, Helen Zille, the Johannesburg mayoral candidate, has garnered attention through unconventional campaigning. Two contrasting moments are presented: one reflecting the pressures of campaigning and the other showcasing political visibility. Yet, neither answer the most crucial question. Can these political leaders, and the institutions behind them, govern effectively?\n\nThe author emphasizes that political stamina is not the same as governing competence. A politician may dominate social media without understanding municipal finances, and a political party may draw large crowds without demonstrating the ability to maintain essential services. The author warns that making increasingly ambitious promises when an organization lacks the capacity and resources to deliver them is akin to overtraining before a race. This can lead to losing the trust of voters.\n\nThose leading the pack should not celebrate victory prematurely. The ANC faces challenges defending its record in municipalities with poor service delivery, while the DA must prove its promises of effective governance can translate into tangible improvements. The EFF, MK Party, IFP, ActionSA, Patriotic Alliance, and other parties must convince voters that their ambitions are supported by credible municipal programs. Voters should not mistake public frustration with their opponents for automatic endorsement of their own parties.\n\nFurthermore, the author highlights a fundamental difference between Comrades and local elections. While a marathon produces individual finishing positions, local elections result in hundreds of municipal contests. In some cases, no single party may emerge as the winner, leading to the formation of coalitions. This introduces a political contradiction, as the opponents attacked during the campaign may become necessary partners in government.\n\nThe author concludes by urging parties leading the pack not to celebrate victory yet. Just as a runner risks collapsing before the finish line by overtraining, a political party that stretches its credibility beyond reasonable limits risks losing the trust of voters. The author suggests that parties should recognize the need for practical measures to restore public confidence rather than relying solely on last-minute promises.",
  "summary": "As South Africa braces for the critical local government elections, the country's citizens grapple with the stark truth of political fatigue while yearning for effective governance. Will the politicians rise to the occasion, or merely run another empty race towards power?",
  "key_points": [
    "South African political parties face local elections on November 4, 2026",
    "Some parties confident, others exhausted or desperate",
    "Voters weary of waiting for effective governance"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Prioritizing campaign stamina over administrative competence risks alienating a weary electorate that demands tangible service delivery rather than the empty promises and ambitious rhetoric used to secure municipal victories.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}