Why your vote belongs to water, lights, roads – not national politics
With just days to the November 4 local government election, the political noise is deafening. This is what you should keep in mind when you cast your vote!
Nickolaus Bauer is the author of South Africa’s Easy Election Guide: Local Government 2026 and puts everything in perspective:
Wannabe mayors and councillors are talking about illegal immigration, crime, gender-based violence, economic growth and the future of the country as a whole.
All of these issues matter enormously. But have nothing to do with local government.
Voters need to ask a simple question: What does any of this have to do with water coming out of my tap, electricity flowing into my home, or the rubbish being collected on my pavement?
Municipal elections are about local government – the everyday responsibilities that shape people’s lives and make or break communities.
Important questions!
If your municipality has been governed by the same party for years, what has improved?
If a new party wants your vote, what evidence supports its promises?
If your council has been governed by a coalition, who made the decisions, who blocked them, and who should answer for the results?
Coalitions
South African politics has changed dramatically in the past decade. Coalitions have become an increasingly important part of governing since 2016, and now that the ANC lost its national majority in 2024, it is no longer business as usual.
We now live in a coalition country.
In local government, that can mean a party wins the most votes but still fails to secure the mayor’s office. Smaller parties can hold the balance of power.
That makes your vote important!
There is no perfect party, councillor or municipality. Money and capacity are limited, and some problems cannot be solved overnight.
But voters are entitled to expect honesty, competence and a clear account of how public money is being spent.
Election day
On election day it is about who will represent your community, make decisions within their powers, and be held accountable for the results.
So when the campaign posters go up, and the promises start flying, keep your eyes on the basics:
Water. Electricity. Rubbish. Roads. Infrastructure. Accountability.
* South Africa’s Easy Election Guide: Local government 2026 is a simple yet sophisticated guide to empower voters to make wise choices on election day. Download the book for free here: https://upmonographs.up.ac.za/index.php/ESI/catalog/book/112
