Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu has commended the IEC for delivering free, fair and credible 2026 local government elections across the province.

Speaking at the decommissioning of the Results and Operations Centre and the announcement of the election results at ANEW Resort White River earlier today, November 7, Ndlovu said South Africa had once again demonstrated its commitment to democratic principles, fairness and the independence of electoral institutions.

He praised the governing party for announcing the election date openly and in good time, allowing all political parties an equal opportunity to prepare.

“This enabled the IEC to make the necessary preparations and conduct the elections independently, without interference or manipulation,” said Ndlovu.

He described the municipal elections in Mpumalanga as transparent and peaceful, thanking the IEC’s provincial leadership, officials and everyone involved in their administration. He also commended political parties for respecting one another, co-operating with the IEC and adhering to electoral laws.

“The election campaigns in our province were peaceful, and we are equally encouraged that calm and peace have prevailed here at the provincial Results and Operations Centre,” said Ndlovu.

Ndlovu also welcomed the fact that no political party had declared itself a winner before the official announcement of results, saying this reflected respect for the electoral process.

He said voters had now decided who would govern the country’s 258 municipalities after the 2026 local government elections.

“The voters have given us a clear answer, and we must respect that decision. We must now release our people from the period of uncertainty and anticipation they have experienced over the past few days. Life must continue, and the business of government must proceed,” said Ndlovu.

Parties urged to form stable coalitions

He wished all political parties well, particularly those that had not secured an outright majority, and urged them to work together to establish stable and functional municipal councils.

“We trust that they will engage one another constructively and find common ground in constituting stable and functional municipal councils in the interests of our people,” he said.

He cautioned against political disruptions in the councils, saying residents expected elected representatives to prioritise service delivery and accountability.

“Our people cannot afford endless political disruptions and instability during the term of office of elected representatives. They expect service delivery, accountability and functioning municipalities.”

On behalf of the people of Mpumalanga, Ndlovu congratulated all newly elected councillors and said he looked forward to the first council sittings, where municipal leadership structures would be elected.

He added that guidelines had been developed to guide coalition governments and expressed confidence that these would help ensure stability in municipal councils.

“To the IEC, thank you for your service to our democracy. Continue to uphold the independence, credibility and integrity of this institution. The people of South Africa depend on you, and we remain confident in your ability to discharge this important constitutional responsibility,” said Ndlovu.

“As we bid farewell to this electoral cycle, we say goodbye for now, until we meet again in 2031 for the next local government elections. However, let us not forget that before then, in 2029, we will once again return to the polls for the national and provincial general elections. Start now to prepare,” he added.