Phil Pretorius, DA councillor and candidate for Ward 14 in the upcoming local government elections, writes:

When South Africans head to the polls on 4 November 2026, the central question should be who can best govern their municipalities.

National debates about religion, abortion, language, culture and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) matter. However, municipal elections give voters a direct opportunity to hold local leaders accountable for services and financial management. The next national and provincial elections are ordinarily due in 2029.

At a municipal level, voters should ask who can reliably maintain infrastructure, collect refuse, provide basic services and manage public money with integrity.

When evaluating the choices for Midvaal Local Municipality, two questions deserve particular attention: where have these parties governed before, and what have they achieved?

Parties seeking voters’ support should expect scrutiny of their records. Those that have governed must account for their performance, while those without governing experience must explain how they would deliver on their promises.

In my view, Midvaal cannot afford to gamble with the progress it has made.

Voters should also consider the possible consequences of coalition politics. Where no party secures a majority, negotiations between parties can determine who governs.

A fragmented vote could leave the DA without a governing majority and create an opportunity for other parties to form an administration. Voters should therefore consider both their preferred candidate and the government their vote could help produce.

Debates about land occupation, municipal security and access to services also require practical answers. Protecting municipal land and planning for orderly development must go hand in hand with addressing residents’ housing needs.

Water, sanitation, electricity and roads require funding, infrastructure and coordinated planning. Parties should explain how their proposals would meet these requirements.

Accountability also depends on understanding the responsibilities of each sphere of government.

Schools and hospitals are primarily national and provincial responsibilities. Housing is also primarily a national and provincial competency, although municipalities have important responsibilities in planning, identifying land, providing services and supporting housing delivery. Municipalities may also administer delegated housing programmes.

Residents are entitled to demand cooperation between these spheres. However, parties should be clear about which authority is responsible for funding and delivering a particular project.

Midvaal’s municipal budget must prioritise its responsibilities, including roads, refuse collection, electricity distribution and other basic services.

Good governance leaves a measurable record. Midvaal achieved its 12th consecutive clean audit for the 2024/25 financial year, providing evidence of sustained financial discipline and accountability.

Clean audits are an important measure, alongside reliable services, maintained infrastructure, responsiveness to residents and an environment that supports investment and employment.

I believe the DA’s record in Midvaal offers residents a strong reason to support continuity.

To protect these gains and secure a stable, functional future, Midvaal residents should choose proven municipal capability.

Vote DA on 4 November, because the DA works for all.

*This post was paid for by the Democratic Alliance (DA).