With less than a week remaining before South Africans head to the polls, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has urged registered voters to prioritise integrity, competence and accountability when choosing their local government representatives.
Millions of eligible voters are preparing to cast their ballots on Wednesday, ushering in the seventh administration of local government. The elections are expected to play a significant role in determining the leadership and development priorities of municipalities across the country.
Speaking on YOU FM Newshour, SALGA spokesperson Motalatale Modiba emphasised that the association does not dictate whom communities should elect. Instead, SALGA works alongside the leaders chosen by voters to advance effective local governance.
Modiba said the organisation has a vested interest in encouraging citizens to carefully assess the qualifications, integrity and capabilities of candidates seeking public office.
“Once elected these individuals will run municipal wards and councils, ultimately shaping the developmental trajectory of their municipalities,” Modiba said.
He added that the calibre of elected representatives directly affects SALGA’s ability to work with municipalities to improve governance and service delivery.
Revised White Paper Sets Out Vision for Local Government
SALGA has described the upcoming elections as a defining moment for the local government sector, particularly following the launch of the Revised White Paper on Local Government.
The policy document reflects on three decades of local governance in South Africa, acknowledging persistent challenges while setting out a renewed vision for the future of municipalities.
According to SALGA, the revised framework seeks to safeguard the developmental mandate and constitutional status of municipalities while reinforcing the need for institutions that are democratic, accountable and capable of fulfilling their responsibilities.
The association highlighted the importance of municipalities being able to deliver reliable services, maintain infrastructure, support local development and act in the public interest.
These priorities remain central to addressing the challenges confronting communities, including concerns about municipal performance, infrastructure maintenance and the consistency of basic services.
Voters Urged to Choose Leaders with Integrity
Modiba stressed that communities have a decisive role to play in building a responsive and effective local government system. He said that responsibility begins with electing representatives who demonstrate integrity and a genuine commitment to serving the public.
“Voting is therefore more than a constitutional right: it is a civic responsibility and a vital part of the social compact through which citizens hold local government to account,” he said.
SALGA is encouraging voters to use the remaining days before election day to examine candidates’ track records, leadership abilities and commitment to the needs of their communities.
The association believes that selecting capable councillors is essential to strengthening municipal institutions and ensuring that local government remains focused on its developmental responsibilities.
Special Voting to Take Place Ahead of Election Day
Registered special voters are scheduled to cast their ballots on Monday and Tuesday, ahead of the general voting day on Wednesday.
As the election approaches, SALGA has reiterated its call for all eligible South Africans to participate in the democratic process and make informed decisions about those seeking to represent their wards and councils.
The association maintains that the future of local governance depends not only on policy reforms and institutional improvements but also on the quality and accountability of elected representatives.
Ultimately, SALGA says, voters have a crucial opportunity to influence the direction of their municipalities by choosing leaders prepared to serve ethically, deliver results and place the public interest first.
