Government urges incoming councillors to prioritise accountability
Government has called on newly elected councillors to prioritise service delivery, transparency and accountability following the 2026 Local Government Elections.
Government urges newly elected councillors to prioritise communities
Government has called on newly elected councillors to remain transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of the communities they will serve following the conclusion of the 2026 Local Government Elections.
The call comes after voters across South Africa went to the polls last week to elect their local representatives and exercise their democratic right to influence service delivery in their communities.
Deputy Government spokesperson William Baloyi, in a statement issued on Monday, thanked South Africans who participated in the elections and commended political parties and candidates for their role in the democratic process.
“Government extends its sincere thanks to all South Africans, especially those who turned out in their numbers to exercise their democratic right to vote in the Local Government Elections and make their voices heard at the polls.
“The participation of more than 540 political parties and nearly 137 000 candidates in the elections reflects the vibrancy of South Africa’s democracy,” said Baloyi.
Government also congratulated the incoming councillors and wished them well as they assume their responsibilities.
Baloyi commended the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), its officials, the South African Police Service and other stakeholders for helping to ensure the elections were conducted safely.
He said the IEC’s declaration that the elections were free and fair reflected the strength of the country’s democracy.
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Referring to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address at the IEC Results Operation Centre, Baloyi highlighted the importance of South Africans’ continued participation in the democratic process.
“At a time when democracy is under strain in many parts of the world, South Africans have once more demonstrated that ours is a strong and enduring democracy,” Ramaphosa said.
Baloyi described the conclusion of the elections and the IEC’s announcement of the results as an important milestone in South Africa’s democratic journey.
He said local government elections remained an important instrument of democratisation, enabling South Africans to participate in decisions that shape the future of their communities.
