President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation at the Independent Electoral Commission's National Results Operations Centre in Midrand, following the announcement of the 2026 Local Government Election results. He highlighted the significance of the elections, which saw the participation of over 540 political parties and nearly 137,000 candidates. Ramaphosa emphasized that the right to vote gives South Africa's democracy its legitimacy and celebrated the enduring strength of the country's democratic system.
Ramaphosa noted that this year marks 30 years since the Constitution was signed into law, born out of a long struggle for freedom, equality, and human dignity. The Constitution declares South Africa a multi-party democracy with universal adult suffrage and regular elections. The President acknowledged the challenges faced by South Africans, including a high cost of living, unemployment, and inadequate municipal services. He emphasized that citizens want to live in communities where they feel safe, public infrastructure is maintained, and businesses can flourish.
The President stressed that citizens judge government by the changes in their daily lives, not just promises or policies. They expect jobs, opportunities, and basic services like water, electricity, and refuse collection. Ramaphosa stated that all who seek public office must be judged by one standard: whether they deliver on their promises. He congratulated the incoming councillors, entrusting them with immense responsibility to serve communities with honesty and integrity.
Ramaphosa emphasized that the elected representatives' responsibility is not simply to occupy a seat in a council chamber but to serve the communities that have placed their trust in them. They must listen to concerns, respond to needs, and act to address them. The President urged councillors to put residents' interests above personal ambition and political advantage, remembering that public office carries a duty of service.
In municipalities where no political party has secured an outright majority, Ramaphosa urged elected representatives to find common ground and work together. He emphasized that this is not a weakness of democracy but an expression of the people's choices. Political parties must approach this responsibility with maturity, humility, and a genuine commitment to the public good.
Ramaphosa warned that negotiations over municipal governments must not become contests over positions, privileges, or power distribution. Instead, they must be guided by what will best serve the people. The President emphasized that the stability of municipalities and the delivery of essential services cannot be sacrificed to narrow political interests or held hostage by political disagreements.
The President concluded by emphasizing that the people have spoken, and it is now time for the elected representatives to begin serving. He urged them to prioritize community needs, work together, and deliver on their promises. The 2026 Local Government Elections have demonstrated the strength and enduring nature of South Africa's democracy, and Ramaphosa expressed his hope that the incoming councillors will rise to the challenge of serving the people.
Key points
- President Ramaphosa emphasized the need for political parties to work together in municipalities where no party has secured an outright majority.
- The President urged councillors to prioritize community needs and deliver on their promises.
- Ramaphosa celebrated the enduring strength of South Africa's democracy, which has demonstrated its resilience in the face of global challenges.
