South Africans will head to the polls on November 4, 2026, to elect local councils that shape daily lives. In the over three decades since democracy began in 1994, national, provincial, and local elections have been largely free, fair, and peaceful. This is a precious inheritance that should not be taken for granted, especially during a dangerous moment with high crime rates and gang violence in many communities.
The Electoral Commission of SA and the South African Police Service play a crucial role in ensuring safe and free elections. However, safeguarding peaceful elections cannot be left to these institutions alone. Civil society, faith communities, civic organizations, neighborhood watches, political parties, candidates, and ordinary citizens all share responsibility for protecting democratic institutions. Community Police Forums carry a special responsibility in this regard.
Community Police Forums are a vital bridge between communities and the police, and their effectiveness depends on public trust. This trust rests on their independence from party politics. A CPF must belong to the whole community, and leadership in a CPF is held in trust for all residents. The Western Cape Uniform Constitution for Community Police Forums and Boards requires CPFs to remain non-party political.
To maintain impartiality, CPF members who become political candidates must recuse themselves from CPF duties 30 days before starting their campaign and resign immediately if elected. If unsuccessful, they may apply to resume their duties after the results are announced. Failure to follow these steps may be treated as misconduct. These restrictions protect the member, the community, and the institution.
Another concern is the covert use of CPF platforms to support an incumbent councillor's campaign. This may involve explicit endorsements or quieter actions like circulating campaign-related messages. A CPF WhatsApp group or community safety platform should never become an unofficial campaign channel for any candidate. Senior CPF leaders carry an additional public responsibility, and their actions can erode trust if perceived as partisan.
Dr. A Rashied Omar, Imam of the Claremont Main Road Masjid and Teaching Professor at the Keough School of Global Affairs, University of Notre Dame, emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of Community Police Forums. He notes that these forums must remain above party politics to protect democratic integrity. Provincial authorities need to reinforce recusal rules, social media guidelines, and impartial reporting mechanisms.
The upcoming local government elections will be crucial in determining the future of community policing in South Africa. It is essential that CPFs maintain their independence and impartiality to ensure public trust in community safety. By doing so, they can continue to play a vital role in bridging communities and the police, and promoting a safer and more democratic society.
Key points
- Community Police Forums must remain non-partisan to maintain public trust in community safety.
- CPF members who become political candidates must recuse themselves from CPF duties to maintain impartiality.
- Provincial authorities need to reinforce recusal rules, social media guidelines, and impartial reporting mechanisms to protect the integrity of Community Police Forums.
