{
  "id": 18984521,
  "title": "Ramaphosa to incoming councillors: End power struggles, deliver basic services",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/ramaphosa-to-incoming-councillors-end-power-struggles-deliver-basic",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-08T17:36:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/news/politics/2026-11-08-ramaphosa-to-incoming-councillors-end-power-struggles-deliver-basic-services/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "President Cyril Ramaphosa has instructed the newly elected councillors to prioritize delivering basic services over engaging in political power struggles. In his address at the Electoral Commission's operations centre in Midrand, Ramaphosa emphasized that voters expect tangible results and not mere political maneuvering. He highlighted that the recent elections showcased South Africa's robust multi-party democracy, with over 540 parties and nearly 137,000 candidates participating. However, Ramaphosa stressed that the true test would be the elected officials' ability to enhance the lives of ordinary South Africans. He acknowledged the country's pressing challenges, including soaring living costs, persistent unemployment, and underwhelming municipal services. Ramaphosa urged that residents desire functional municipalities where essential services, such as water supply, reliable electricity, waste collection, infrastructure upkeep, and neighborhood safety, are consistently met. He reiterated that voters freely chose their representatives, placing trust in various political entities, from established parties to newer formations and independent candidates. However, Ramaphosa underlined that every elected official would be held accountable for fulfilling their promises. He warned that arriving in council chambers is just the beginning; representatives must listen to residents, address their concerns, and act with integrity. The President's remarks come as municipalities may face coalition arrangements, with no single party securing a majority. Ramaphosa urged political parties to engage in mature and humble negotiations, focusing on community welfare rather than allocating positions and privileges. He stressed that municipal stability must not be compromised by narrow political interests and that essential services should never be a bargaining chip in political deals. Ramaphosa emphasized that voters did not elect representatives for five more years of internal fighting but rather expected functioning councils, capable administrations, and leadership capable of transcending political divisions. He called on political leaders to ensure timely council formations, fair elections, and punctual budget approvals. Ramaphosa reminded councillors that winning an election does not guarantee continued public confidence. Instead, representatives must earn residents' trust throughout their tenure by demonstrating that public office is a duty, not a means for personal gain. With elections concluded, Ramaphosa shifted the focus from political competition to the crucial task of governing.",
  "summary": "Ramaphosa acknowledged that the country was facing serious social and economic pressures, with households battling the rising cost of living, unemployment continuing to affect millions, particularly young people, and municipal services falling short of what communities should expect.",
  "key_points": [
    "President Ramaphosa urges councillors to prioritize basic services over political power struggles.",
    "Over 540 parties and nearly 137,000 candidates participated in recent South African elections.",
    "Voters expect functional municipalities with essential services like water, electricity, and safety."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "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."
}