Ramaphosa Urges Incoming Councillors to Prioritize Service Delivery

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged incoming councillors in South Africa to prioritize the delivery of basic services over political power struggles. Speaking at the Electoral Commission's operations centre in Midrand, Ramaphosa emphasized that voters expect tangible results from their elected representatives, not prolonged political infighting. He stressed that communities cannot afford to have essential services compromised due to power struggles.

The South African elections demonstrated the strength of the country's multi-party democracy, with over 540 political parties and nearly 137,000 candidates participating. However, Ramaphosa noted that the real test of the elections would be whether those elected could improve the daily lives of ordinary South Africans. He acknowledged that the country faces serious social and economic pressures, including a rising cost of living, high unemployment, and inadequate municipal services.

Ramaphosa highlighted the basic requirements for a life of dignity, including functioning municipalities with reliable water, electricity, and refuse collection. He emphasized that residents want to live in safe neighborhoods with well-maintained public infrastructure. The President stressed that these expectations are not unreasonable and that elected representatives will be judged by their ability to deliver on their commitments.

The President warned that incoming councillors will become the public face of government in communities where expectations are high and frustrations often run deep. He urged them to listen to residents, address concerns, and act with honesty and integrity. Ramaphosa also emphasized the importance of coalition arrangements, where no single party has secured an outright majority, and urged parties to approach negotiations with maturity and humility.

Ramaphosa stressed that municipal stability must not be undermined by narrow political interests and that essential service delivery should never become a bargaining tool in political negotiations. He reminded councillors that winning an election does not guarantee continued public confidence and that they must earn residents' trust throughout their terms by demonstrating a commitment to public office as a responsibility, not an opportunity for personal advancement.

The President called on political leaders to ensure that councils are constituted without unnecessary delays, office-bearers are elected through good-faith negotiations, and municipal budgets are passed on time. He emphasized that the focus must now shift from political competition to the work of governing. Ramaphosa's message comes as municipalities face the prospect of coalition arrangements and the challenge of delivering services to communities.

With the elections concluded, Ramaphosa emphasized that the real work of governing has begun. He urged councillors to rise above political differences and prioritize the needs of their communities. The President's message serves as a reminder that elected representatives have a critical role to play in improving the lives of ordinary South Africans and that their success will be measured by their ability to deliver on their commitments.

Key points

• President Ramaphosa has urged incoming councillors to prioritize service delivery over political power struggles.
• The President emphasized that voters expect tangible results from their elected representatives, not prolonged political infighting.
• Ramaphosa stressed that municipal stability must not be undermined by narrow political interests and that essential service delivery should never become a bargaining tool in political negotiations.