South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on registered voters to participate in the upcoming local government elections, urging citizens to use their democratic rights to shape the future of their communities and improve municipal service delivery.
With South Africans heading to the polls on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Ramaphosa has emphasised that voting is essential to strengthening local democracy and ensuring that municipalities are led by accountable and capable representatives.
In his weekly newsletter published on Monday, November 2, the President described the elections as one of the biggest electoral contests in South Africa’s democratic history, with 546 political parties and nearly 137,000 candidates contesting.
Ramaphosa urged voters not to stay away from polling stations, stressing that local government plays a central role in improving citizens’ quality of life.
He highlighted the importance of municipal responsibilities, particularly the provision of water, sanitation, electricity and other essential services.
Calls for Accountability and Better Service Delivery
The President acknowledged that corruption, poor financial management, infrastructure failures and political interference have weakened public confidence in some municipalities.
He said the elections provide communities with an opportunity to choose leaders who prioritise public needs and are committed to delivering services.
Ramaphosa also highlighted proposed reforms contained in the Revised White Paper on Local Government, which aims to improve municipal financial management, strengthen accountability, professionalise municipal administrations and ensure that revenue generated from electricity and water services is reinvested in maintaining infrastructure.
President Calls for Peaceful Elections
Ramaphosa further appealed to political parties, candidates and supporters to ensure that the electoral process is free from violence, intimidation and disruptions.
He said the South African Police Service had undertaken security assessments and operational preparations to help ensure a safe and peaceful voting process.
During a separate engagement on Monday, he warned that citizens who choose not to vote are neglecting their responsibilities as residents and members of society.
The President concluded by encouraging South Africans to vote for progress, development and better communities, emphasising that active citizen participation is essential to building effective local government.
The local government elections take place on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, with voting expected to determine the leadership of municipalities across the country.
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