Local Government
latest news & developments
DA keeps mayoral options open as coalition talks loom
The Democratic Alliance is keeping its options open regarding mayoral chains in key metros like Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni as political parties prepare for critical coalition…
ANC may need a blue lifeline in Joburg
As election results point to a tight race in Johannesburg, the ANC may be pushed toward an uneasy coalition with the DA despite fierce resistance from local party leaders.
Editorial: Why you needed to vote
As power and water outages struck Gauteng on election day, widespread voter apathy served only to protect the failing politicians responsible for crumbling municipal services.
Sophiatown’s patience is wearing thin
Frustrated by mounting crime, dry taps, and uncollected rubbish, Sophiatown residents headed to the polls demanding urgent solutions and accountable leadership.
Beyond the X lies a constitutional promise
Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka examines the constitutional mandate of local government, calling on coalition leaders and municipal officials to move past factional politics and…
Sharing power is easy; governing is hard
As South African municipalities grapple with water crises and unstable leadership, coalition governance faces a crucial test: moving beyond survival politics toward transparent,…
The vote was never the whole of freedom
Following local government elections, South Africa faces the critical task of translating the vote into municipal accountability, ethical governance, and sustained civic…
The culture of mediocrity ends
An analysis of widespread municipal underperformance in South Africa reveals deep systemic failures in capital budget spending, infrastructure maintenance, and governance,…
When hunger knocked, we answered. Will our leaders do the same?
Reflecting on frontline food relief during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sello Hatang outlines crucial lessons on compassion, dignity, and anti-corruption for South Africa's incoming…
My first vote, my future
First-time voter Timarie Grobler cast her ballot in Kempton Park hoping for jobs, unity, and better infrastructure, as analysts urge parties to take South Africa's crucial youth…
LIVE: Local government elections results
Follow the live outcomes and real-time counts of the South African local government elections with our interactive results dashboard.
A new generation in the running for local government
Several candidates under the age of 30 are contesting wards across South African municipalities in the 2026 local government elections, aiming to bring fresh leadership and…
Ward 90 councillor candidate Paul Nkhumane puts service delivery at the centre of his campaign
Ward 90 councillor candidate Paul Nkhumane has pledged to put service delivery, infrastructure, and youth participation at the forefront of his agenda for Ekurhuleni residents.
The Bakerton Ballot: Political paralysis meets community policing in Ekurhuleni’s Ward 72
As rival political parties trade blame over service delivery failures in Ekurhuleni's Ward 72, the Bakerton Community Police Forum is stepping up to hold whoever wins accountable.
Alexandra residents question political promises as parties campaign across township
Despite a heavy presence of political parties campaigning in Alexandra, residents express growing disillusionment over persistent service delivery failures and empty election…