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The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has cautioned political parties that coalition negotiations in municipalities with no clear majority could lead to instability, urging them to prioritise community needs and service delivery following the 2026 local government elections. SALGA spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said that newly elected municipal councils must focus on stability, accountability and effective oversight as they form governing bodies. “Coalition arrangements must promote stability, accountability, effective oversight and continuity in service delivery, rather than lead to political instability that weakens municipal performance,” Modiba said. According to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), 127 of South Africa’s 213 municipalities ended the elections with hung councils, meaning no single party secured more than 50 % of the seats. The remaining 72 municipalities have parties with outright majorities. The IEC declared the final results on 8 November, giving newly elected councillors 14 days to convene their first meetings, during which they will elect speakers, mayors and other office‑bearers. The deadline for these meetings is 22 November. SALGA praised the IEC for administering the elections and congratulated the millions of voters who exercised their democratic right. The association said the conclusion of the elections marked the beginning of the responsibility to translate the electoral mandate into effective local government. “The focus must now shift from the ballot box to building stable, capable and accountable municipal councils that can deliver for communities,” Modiba added. The association also highlighted the importance of the new term of democratic local government, which follows the approval of a revised White Paper on Local Government that signals a new phase in strengthening developmental local government. Once councils are constituted, SALGA, in partnership with government and other stakeholders, will roll out the Integrated Councillor Induction Programme (ICIP). The programme aims to equip councillors with the knowledge and practical skills needed to fulfil their representative, legislative and oversight responsibilities. SALGA expressed concern over incidents of political violence and killings reported during the 2026 election period. Modiba said, “There can be no place for violence or intimidation in South Africa’s democratic process.” The association called on law‑enforcement agencies to bring perpetrators to justice and to ensure that citizens and public representatives can participate in democratic processes without fear. Article source: The Independent Online | Image credit: The Independent Online
The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has cautioned political parties that coalition negotiations in municipalities with no clear majority could lead to instability, urging them to prioritise community needs and service delivery following the 2026 local government elections. SALGA spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said that newly elected municipal councils must focus on stability, accountability and effective oversight as they form governing bodies. “Coalition arrangements must promote stability, accountability, effective oversight and continuity in service delivery, rather than lead to political instability that weakens municipal performance,” Modiba said. According to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), 127 of South Africa’s 213 municipalities ended the elections with hung councils, meaning no single party secured more than 50 % of the seats. The remaining 72 municipalities have parties with outright majorities. The IEC declared the final results on 8 November, giving newly elected councillors 14 days to convene their first meetings, during which they will elect speakers, mayors and other office‑bearers. The deadline for these meetings is 22 November. SALGA praised the IEC for administering the elections and congratulated the millions of voters who exercised their democratic right. The association said the conclusion of the elections marked the beginning of the responsibility to translate the electoral mandate into effective local government. “The focus must now shift from the ballot box to building stable, capable and accountable municipal councils that can deliver for communities,” Modiba added. The association also highlighted the importance of the new term of democratic local government, which follows the approval of a revised White Paper on Local Government that signals a new phase in strengthening developmental local government. Once councils are constituted, SALGA, in partnership with government and other stakeholders, will roll out the Integrated Councillor Induction Programme (ICIP). The programme aims to equip councillors with the knowledge and practical skills needed to fulfil their representative, legislative and oversight responsibilities. SALGA expressed concern over incidents of political violence and killings reported during the 2026 election period. Modiba said, “There can be no place for violence or intimidation in South Africa’s democratic process.” The association called on law‑enforcement agencies to bring perpetrators to justice and to ensure that citizens and public representatives can participate in democratic processes without fear.
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