The horse has bolted on good governance.

In the 2026 local government elections, which may take place as late as January 2027, there’s two choices for voters; (1) more of the same, or (2) a try at something new.

To tempt residents, the DA announced its mayoral candidate, son of the soil Bosman Grobler, for Steve Tshwete Municipality’s highest office, with Grobler leaving a room full of jiving supporters jiggy with anticipation of a solvent municipality where money is safe.

By voting for the blue wave, that can be achieved, Grobler promises.

@middelburgobserver

Mpumalanga’s Democratic Alliance announced its Steve Tshwete mayoral candidate, Bosman Grobler, under the slogan, ‘Let‘s get Steve Tshwete working again.’ The DA is working towards pushing the ANC to even lower than its current 36% support at the polls. Grobler was raised in Middelburg and is the son of council Alderwoman Anphia Grobler and physician Andre Grobler. He is also a political veteran inducted in the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature.

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The blue wave came very close to ANC shores in the last election, with the ANC pushed down to just 36% of a fragmented poll, resulting in a hung municipality.

Grobler, under the slogan ‘Let’s get Steve Tshwete Working’, said the fact that local ratepayers are increasingly funding a looted municipality rests squarely in front of the ANC’s door.

Provincial DA Leader Jane Sithole explained during Grobler’s introduction that local voters trusted the DA when it stood back, not rushing into a fickle coalition with the EFF.

Grobler grew up in Middelburg, and he said that he takes it personally when things don’t work.

Accountability will be the cornerstone of his office, because Grobler knows Middelburg and Middelburg knows Grobler.

He urged for renewed trust from residents and in return promised a transparent, responsible, and functioning municipality.

• Read more about Grobler’s ambitions in next week’s edition of the Middelburg Observer.