The run-up to South Africa's 2026 local elections has been marred by chaos, with the governing African National Congress (ANC) failing to register 181 councillor candidates nationally. In the Eastern Cape, the ANC reportedly submitted its list to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) just minutes before the deadline. This development has raised concerns about the party's preparedness for the elections.
The ANC has also faced criticism for its handling of internal matters. Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina was recently filmed telling a disabled man to leave a community meeting in Kouga, sparking widespread outrage. The party has attempted to address concerns about councillor capacity, with matric pledge now requiring candidates without a matric certificate to commit to getting one within 12 months of taking office.
The upcoming local elections have seen a significant social media presence, with politicians and parties leveraging platforms to reach voters. Helen Zille, leader of the Democratic Alliance, has built a viral strategy around rowing a boat through potholes, drawing comparisons to New York mayor Zohran Mamdani's meme-native campaign. This approach has been seen as a way to engage with young voters.
The use of social media and influencers in the election campaign has raised questions about its effectiveness and potential impact. FF+ leader Corné Mulder would not confirm or deny allegations that his party is running paid influencer campaigns to reach young Black voters. Some critics argue that social media presence does not necessarily translate to a politician's ability to deliver on their promises.
Several high-profile figures have entered the election, including celebrities and politicians. Poet and cultural commentator Ntsiki Mazwai is running for Johannesburg mayor for the Land Party, while rapper SkeemGP is running for Ekurhuleni mayor. However, not all celebrity candidates have been successful, with hip-hop veteran Ready D withdrawing his candidacy for Cape Town mayor.
Despite the excitement around social media and celebrity candidates, some critics warn that substance should not be overlooked. Caryn Dolley cautioned that social media can enable "vanity politics," while student Nonhlanhla Sonto Mashabana questioned the authenticity of politicians' online presence. Content creator Thameenah Daniels shared her concerns about the influence of social media on her followers.
Against the backdrop of the elections, a more serious issue continues to unfold in Kempton Park, where nine women have been found dead since July. Police are investigating whether one perpetrator is responsible, but have faced criticism for advising women to avoid walking alone rather than prioritizing the hunt for the perpetrator. Meanwhile, retired Constitutional Court Justice Edwin Cameron has expressed concerns about an upcoming conference in Cape Town with an anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-women's rights agenda.
Key points
- The ANC's failure to register 181 councillor candidates nationally has raised concerns about its preparedness for the 2026 local elections.
- The use of social media and influencers in the election campaign has become a significant aspect of the run-up to the 2026 local elections.
- A potential serial killer is on the loose in Kempton Park, where nine women have been found dead since July, sparking concerns about public safety.
