Government has confirmed readiness for the 2026 local elections, urging competent leadership, active citizen participation, and ethical governance to strengthen municipalities and improve service delivery nationwide.
Velenkosini Hlabisa addressed the FW de Klerk Foundation Annual Conference, reaffirming government’s preparedness for the 2026 Local Government Elections in partnership with the Independent Electoral Commission.
He confirmed that systems and mechanisms are in place to ensure transparent, impartial and credible elections, emphasising the constitutional importance of trust in democratic processes.
The Minister highlighted ongoing challenges facing municipalities, including weak financial management, limited administrative capacity and persistent governance failures rooted in leadership and skills deficits.
He called for voters to prioritise competence over sentiment or party loyalty, stressing the need for capable councillors, skilled municipal managers, and administrations able to interpret audits and compliance reports.
Addressing voter apathy, Minister Hlabisa warned that low participation weakens accountability and allows minority interests to shape outcomes, underscoring the role of citizens in safeguarding democracy.
The conference reinforced that the upcoming local elections are a pivotal opportunity to rebuild municipal stability, strengthen leadership and ensure local government fulfils its constitutional mandate.
