KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has urged citizens and political parties to commit to peace, political tolerance, and protection of the democratic process as the province prepares for the 2026 Local Government Elections. Ntuli made the call at the Provincial Multi-Party Political Intervention Committee meeting, which brought together various political parties and key institutions to promote a peaceful electoral environment. The meeting aimed to strengthen dialogue, cooperation, and political tolerance ahead of the elections.
The Electoral Commission has been engaging with political parties, traditional leaders, civil society, faith-based organisations, and other stakeholders in KwaZulu-Natal to prepare for the elections on 4 November 2026. Ntuli emphasised that the right to vote is a fundamental pillar of South Africa's democracy, secured through generations of sacrifice. He also noted that this right is inseparable from citizens' ability to make meaningful political choices and for parties to organise, campaign, and contest elections freely.
Ntuli highlighted the importance of a democracy where parties can disagree fiercely yet peacefully, stating that such a democracy is alive. He expressed concern that discussions in the Multi-Party Political Intervention Committee are often dominated by violence, intra-party conflict, and killings, rather than electoral readiness and voter confidence. The committee was established to bring parties together, build trust, and resolve differences through dialogue.
Ntuli called for a clear distinction between legitimate political contestation and criminal conduct. He stated that what is labelled as 'political violence' is often pure criminality, and that murder, intimidation, and other forms of violence should not be justified as advancing a political cause. The Premier urged law-enforcement agencies to deal with criminality without fear or favour.
The Premier reaffirmed the provincial government's commitment to working closely with the Electoral Commission and providing institutional support for the electoral process. He called for an inclusive approach to political dialogue, extending engagement to parties represented in the Provincial Legislature and those operating outside it. Ntuli emphasised that every party contesting in good faith and within the law has a rightful place in the conversation.
Ntuli identified traditional leaders, civil society, and faith-based organisations as important partners in promoting political tolerance and peaceful democratic participation. He highlighted the trust and moral authority that Amakhosi have within communities and their potential role in ensuring that parties reach communities without fear. These groups can also promote dialogue and reinforce the value of human life.
The Premier concluded by calling for sustained dialogue between government and political parties throughout the electoral cycle. He stressed that democracy does not sleep between elections and that trust developed during periods of stability can help prevent tensions from escalating during more difficult periods.
Key points
- Ntuli calls for renewed commitment to peace, tolerance, and protection of democracy ahead of 2026 Local Government Elections.
- The Premier urges law-enforcement agencies to deal with criminality without fear or favour.
- Ntuli emphasises the importance of inclusive political dialogue and engagement with various stakeholders.
