The choice in a local government election should be straightforward: who is most likely to get the basics right, without stealing the money? Local government is about making water, electricity, roads and refuse collection work.

In KwaDukuza, the choice taking shape is between an ANC- or DA-led coalition and an MK government.

I find the second prospect deeply worrying.

MK has provided a political home for prominent figures implicated in state capture, disgraced lawyers, an impeached judge, convicted criminals, dismissed officials and politicians expelled from other parties.

The damage of state capture went beyond money taken: appointments rewarded loyalty, procurement served connected interests and competent officials were sidelined. That culture is the opposite of what is needed to get things done.

Changing it and rebuilding capacity takes years – and we still live with the consequences.

That does not make the alternatives perfect. The ANC cannot escape responsibility for what happened on its watch, and the DA and other potential coalition partners have shortcomings too.

But we must choose a government.

Dissatisfaction with the choices does not remove our responsibility to consider what our votes – or failure to vote – might produce. This matters particularly with smaller parties.

Remember the two main risks with smaller parties: if they fail to win a council seat, those votes are wasted; and if they win only a handful of seats, they can hold an otherwise stable coalition to ransom as kingmakers. Worse, their voters could inadvertently help install an administration they would never have chosen directly.

Before voting for a smaller party, establish whom it will put into office.

The KDRF backs strengthening larger parties capable of forming a workable, GNU-style coalition, giving it enough support to govern without depending on a succession of small parties bargaining for positions.

We must choose a government we can hold accountable, both as residents and through civic bodies like resident and ratepayer associations. It must be willing to engage us, answer difficult questions and act when failures are exposed.

We need not agree with a party on every national issue to judge whether it can govern locally. We need confidence it can co-operate, protect public money and deliver services.

This is about nuts and bolts: water, electricity, roads and refuse.

Choose a larger party in a credible governing coalition that you are least unhappy with, and vote for it.

Then go braai.

The KwaDukuza Residents’ Forum (KDRF) is an independent, non-profit civic organisation representing the interests of residents and businesses across KwaDukuza municipality. Chaired by Ballito resident Warwick Chapman, it advocates for improved service delivery, transparent governance and municipal accountability.