The national government has urged newly elected councillors to serve their communities with integrity, accountability and a renewed commitment to service delivery, following the declaration of the 2026 Local Government Elections as free and fair.
In a media statement issued after the IEC’s official announcement, the government extended its sincere thanks to all South Africans, particularly those who turned out in large numbers to exercise their democratic right to vote.
“The participation of more than 540 political parties and nearly 137,000 candidates in the elections reflects the vibrancy of South Africa’s democracy,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said in a statement.
The government also commended the IEC, its officials, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and all other stakeholders for their efforts in ensuring the safe administration of the elections.
“The declaration by the IEC that the election was free and fair reflects a strengthened democracy,” the government said.
Quoting President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address at the IEC Results Operations Centre, the statement said:
“At a time when democracy is under strain in many parts of the world, South Africans have once more demonstrated that ours is a strong and enduring democracy.”
The government said the conclusion of the 2026 Local Government Elections now places a direct responsibility on the 10,526 newly elected councillors across 213 municipalities.
New councillors are expected to:
- Serve communities with integrity.
- Put residents first, ahead of party and personal interests.
- Restore public trust in local government.
- Prioritise basic services, including water, electricity, roads, refuse removal and sanitation.
- Ensure accountability, transparency and clean governance.
- Work with communities rather than above them.
The statement comes as 127 of the 213 councils remain hung, meaning coalition negotiations will determine who governs in most municipalities, including seven of the country’s eight metropolitan municipalities.
The government warned that coalition instability in the past has undermined service delivery and urged political parties to form stable, service-focused administrations that put residents first.
“Democracy does not end when the ballot is placed in the box. The responsibility to participate continues through asking questions, holding representatives accountable, attending community meetings, engaging with municipal processes and insisting that public institutions serve the public,” the government said.
The government also thanked voters for their patience and acknowledged the contributions of election staff, security services, observers, the media and civil society organisations in making the elections possible.
The first council sittings, during which mayors, speakers and mayoral committees will be elected, are expected to take place within the next 14 days.