As the 2026 local elections approach, many South Africans are grappling with the decision of who to vote for. Mbali Ntuli, founder and CEO of Ground Work Collective, a non-partisan civic education non-profit organisation, believes that choosing the right candidate goes beyond party loyalty. Ntuli suggests that voters should scrutinise candidates, understand the job of a councillor, and decide what accountability should look like five years from now. This approach enables voters to make informed decisions and hold their representatives accountable.
When evaluating candidates, Ntuli considers their track record, especially if they are incumbents or come from well-established parties. She looks at their responsiveness to residents' issues, their ability to hold proper ward meetings, and their championing of major issues on behalf of the ward. Ntuli also wants to see if candidates have a personality and opinions of their own, rather than simply repeating party lines. This helps her gauge their ability to represent their constituents effectively.
Effective communication is another crucial aspect Ntuli considers when assessing candidates. She checks if they report back on municipal activities, respond to people's queries on social media, and provide regular updates on their ward pages. By doing so, Ntuli can gauge a candidate's commitment to transparency and accountability. A candidate's social media presence can reveal a lot about their priorities and how they engage with their constituents.
Understanding the role of a councillor is vital in making informed decisions. Ntuli emphasises that a councillor's job entails more than just addressing service delivery issues. They sit in council, vote on budgets and by-laws, and serve on committees. They are also responsible for scrutinising the administration, representing residents, and participating in oversight. By knowing what the job entails, voters can better evaluate a candidate's performance and hold them accountable.
When it comes to newcomers or candidates from smaller parties, Ntuli asks different questions. She looks for evidence of capability or competence in their previous roles, whether they have leadership experience, and if they understand the job they are running for. Ntuli also assesses their plan or promise, checking if it seems plausible and doable. Integrity is another essential factor she considers when evaluating candidates.
Ntuli approaches her ward vote and proportional representation (PR) vote differently. For her ward vote, she favours candidates with a strong understanding of local issues, regardless of their party affiliation. However, for the PR ballot, she is open to newcomers and smaller parties, believing that healthy councils benefit from diverse representation. Ntuli thinks that smaller parties bring unique perspectives and can play a crucial role in council.
Ultimately, Ntuli's approach to voting is centred on holding candidates accountable and ensuring that they represent their constituents effectively. By understanding the role of a councillor, evaluating candidates' track records, and considering their communication styles, voters can make informed decisions that will positively impact their communities. As South Africa prepares for the 2026 local elections, citizens would do well to adopt a similar approach.
Key points
- Voters should prioritise understanding the role of a councillor to make informed decisions.
- Candidates' communication styles and social media presence can reveal their commitment to transparency and accountability.
- Evaluating candidates' track records and experience can help voters gauge their ability to represent their constituents effectively.
