Democratic Alliance leader Geordin Hill-Lewis addressed the party's final national rally in Mamelodi, Tshwane, on Saturday, 31 October. He urged South Africans to vote in the 4 November local government elections and support the DA in more towns and cities. Hill-Lewis emphasized the need for competent appointments, action against corruption, infrastructure repairs, and basic services in municipalities. He also appealed to people who had not previously voted for the DA, saying their decision would not be taken for granted.
Hill-Lewis highlighted the DA's service delivery record in Cape Town, pointing to the city's spending on infrastructure and services for poorer residents. He claimed that Cape Town had outperformed the three Gauteng metros combined and accounted for one in two new jobs created in South African cities. These claims were part of the DA's campaign, but the figures were not independently verified. The DA leader's comments reflect the party's focus on showcasing its achievements in municipalities.
The local government elections will determine the makeup of municipal councils responsible for services including water, sanitation, electricity distribution, and refuse collection. The Electoral Commission announced that special voting would take place on 2 and 3 November, ahead of voting day on 4 November. Hill-Lewis's comments come as the DA seeks to gain a stronger mandate in municipalities and challenge the African National Congress's dominance.
Hill-Lewis also mentioned that the DA was close to overtaking the African National Congress nationally, although he acknowledged that this goal was a stretch and depended on voter support. The outcome of the elections will be determined by the ballots cast and counted. The DA's campaign has focused on its service delivery record and its plans to improve services and create conditions for employment.
The DA's rally in Mamelodi was part of its final national campaign effort. Other parties, including the African National Congress and the Economic Freedom Fighters, have also been campaigning ahead of the elections. The EFF, for example, has focused on municipal services and hijacked buildings as key issues.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has also been campaigning, urging voters to support the ANC and emphasizing the importance of capable councils and peaceful voting. He highlighted concerns about service delivery and the need for municipalities to provide basic services. The ANC has acknowledged concerns about service delivery and has promised to address them.
The local government elections are a critical moment for South Africa's democracy, with the outcome likely to have significant implications for service delivery and governance in municipalities. The DA's campaign has highlighted its achievements in Cape Town, but the ANC and other parties are also vying for support. The elections will determine the course of municipal governance in South Africa for the next five years.
Key points
- The DA is seeking a stronger mandate in municipalities, citing its service delivery record in Cape Town.
- The local government elections will determine the makeup of municipal councils responsible for basic services.
- The DA claims to be close to overtaking the ANC nationally, but the outcome depends on voter support.
