South African political parties wrapped up their election campaigns with final rallies over the weekend, appealing to supporters and undecided voters to cast their ballots in the local government elections on Wednesday. The rallies were held in various parts of the country, with party leaders delivering keynote addresses and outlining their visions for local governance. All political and campaign activities are allowed until midnight on the day before elections, after which no marches, rallies, or public meetings may be held.
The African National Congress (ANC) held its final rally at Sisa Dukashe stadium in KuGompo City on Sunday, with ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa delivering the keynote address. Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of the election, stating that the choices voters make now will determine the country they live in tomorrow. He also highlighted the ANC's plan to build better communities, drawing on years of experience and learning from past successes and failures.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) held its final rally at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday, with leader Julius Malema criticizing the current state of local government. Malema accused municipalities of being captured by corrupt officials and service providers, resulting in poor service delivery and infrastructure. He promised that the EFF would work to provide basic services such as water, sanitation, and electricity to communities.
The local government sector in South Africa has been plagued by malfeasance and fiscal challenges, with billions of rand wasted on fruitless expenditure annually. This has affected the delivery of basic services such as potable water, electricity, and refuse collection. The government has launched the second phase of Operation Vulindlela, a joint initiative of the Treasury and presidency aimed at fixing councils and improving service delivery.
The opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, also held their final rallies over the weekend. DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis called on supporters to make the DA the biggest party in the country, while MK party leader Jacob Zuma was expected to deliver the keynote address at his party's rally in KwaMashu.
The local government elections are seen as a critical test for the ANC, which has faced growing disillusionment among voters due to poor service delivery. The party has declared 2026 a year of decisive action to fix local government and transform the economy, with R54bn set aside for service delivery. The elections will also be a test for the opposition parties, which are hoping to make gains at the expense of the ANC.
The elections are expected to be closely contested, with voters facing a range of choices. The outcome will have significant implications for the future of local governance in South Africa and the delivery of basic services to communities. Voters are urged to cast their ballots on Wednesday, with the results expected to be announced in the coming days.
Key points
- The ANC, EFF, and other parties held final rallies over the weekend, urging supporters to vote in the upcoming local government elections on Wednesday.
- The local government sector in South Africa has been plagued by malfeasance and fiscal challenges, affecting the delivery of basic services.
- The elections are seen as a critical test for the ANC, which has faced growing disillusionment among voters due to poor service delivery.
