Focus shifts to building stable, accountable municipal councils

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The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has urged for focus to now shift from the ballot box to building stable, capable and accountable municipal councils that can…

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has urged for focus to now shift from the ballot box to building stable, capable and accountable municipal councils that can deliver services to communities following the conclusion of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

The elections were held on Wednesday last week (4 November) with the final results announced by the Electoral Commission (IEC) on Sunday evening (8 November).

As political parties move to constitute municipal councils within the prescribed 14-day period, SALGA has urged political parties, particularly those in hung councils, to prioritise the interests of communities.

A hung council is one where no single political party has won an outright majority.

“Coalition arrangements must promote stability, accountability, effective oversight and continuity in service delivery, rather than lead to political instability that weakens municipal performance,” the association said.

SALGA commended the IEC for the successful administration of the 2026 Local Government Elections and thanked millions of South Africans who exercised their democratic right to choose their local representatives.

The association noted that the successful conclusion of another local government elections affirms the resilience and maturity of South Africa’s democracy.

However, SALGA emphasised that the next phase must focus on translating the electoral mandate into effective local governance.

“The focus must now shift from the ballot box to building stable, capable and accountable municipal councils that can deliver for communities,” SALGA said.

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