The opportunity to have a say in who governs their communities brought different emotions for residents taking part in the 2026 Local Government Elections, particularly those casting their first votes in Strubens Valley.

First-time voters embrace the experience

For Mbali Hlongwane, the experience was about being able to participate in decisions that could shape the country’s future. Hlongwane said voting for the first time made her feel like a good citizen and gave her an opportunity to express her views about the changes she wanted to see.

“Firstly, I feel like a good citizen. Secondly, I feel like I’m able to give my opinion on the change I want for the country,” she said.

Amile Mthembu shared similar excitement about participating in the elections but admitted that she was also nervous about what the outcome could mean for her community.

“I’m kind of excited but really nervous because the whole neighbourhood’s livelihoods depend on this vote,” Mthembu said.

For Nina Massyn, however, the day was largely about enjoying a new experience and seeing so many people participating in the elections. “I’m so excited, and I cannot believe there are this many people that live here, but this is so exciting,” she said.

Municipal governance and service delivery

Unlike national elections, which determine the country’s national government, local government elections focus on who will serve on municipal councils. These councils make decisions about how municipalities are run, their budgets and the delivery of services to communities.

This includes issues that residents encounter in their everyday lives, such as water and electricity supply, sanitation, refuse collection, municipal roads, parks and other public facilities.

The ward councillor represents residents’ interests in the municipal council, while proportional representation ensures that political parties receive council seats according to their share of the vote.

While three of the residents were voting for the first time, Leilani Kuter spoke about why she believes participating in elections is important.

“I love voting, and I think it’s an important thing to do in the country. I feel very positive about our voting system and also what’s going on in South Africa currently,” she said.

Kuter added that she felt people had a positive mindset and were being mindful of what was happening in the country. “I think there’s a positive mindset and people are being very mindful, so yes, I’m very excited about what’s happening,” she said.

For first-time voters, the experience offered an opportunity to move from observing the country’s democratic processes to participating in them, while other residents continued to exercise their right to vote.