A recent survey revealed increasing dissatisfaction with democracy itself, alongside a decline in the number of South Africans who believe their vote actually makes a difference. HSRC senior researcher Ngqapheli Mchunu unpacked these findings publicly reflecting a national mood that is becoming increasingly cynical.
But perhaps that cynicism is exactly why local elections matter so much. Because unlike national politics, local government is not abstract. Municipalities determine the realities people experience every single day. They shape whether roads are fixed, whether rubbish is collected, whether water runs from taps, whether streetlights work, and whether communities feel safe.
When municipalities fail, ordinary life becomes harder. Political commentator Phumlani Majozi captured this urgency clearly when he argued: “These elections are crucial, and every adult citizen should take them seriously. Our municipalities are in crisis and desperately need competent governance.”
He pointed directly to collapsing infrastructure, water shortages, corruption, crime, and deteriorating public services as evidence that local government dysfunction is no longer a distant political issue – it is a daily lived reality.
And yet, many South Africans still disengage from local elections because they feel politics no longer serves them. This was echoed in a previous Democracy Unplugged episode titled “Municipal Meltdown”. That disengagement creates a dangerous cycle. The fewer people participate, the easier it becomes for weak leadership, patronage networks, and poor governance to survive. Democracy weakens not only when leaders fail, but when citizens withdraw completely from holding power accountable.
This is why political mobilisation ahead of the elections is intensifying. The race for Johannesburg’s mayoral chain is already heating up, with parties positioning themselves for one of the country’s most symbolic metro battles. Mlungisi Mabaso has been unveiled as the IFP’s candidate, arguing that the party remains one of the few consistently addressing the long-standing struggles of hostel communities. The ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula says the party will kick-start its local government elections campaign in July. And more are expected to make their announcements over the next few weeks too.
Meanwhile, newer political movements are aggressively trying to attract fresh participation into local politics. On social media, Build One South Africa has called on citizens to “step up, take charge locally, and make your voice count” by becoming candidates themselves.
Similarly, ActionSA has opened applications for councillor candidates ahead of the 2026 elections, signalling how fiercely contested municipalities may become. That matters because local elections are often where political renewal begins.
National politics can feel distant and untouchable. Local government is different. Citizens can directly see the consequences of leadership – both good and bad.
As Majozi argued: “Fixing South Africa begins in our municipalities – and it is our responsibility to make that change happen.”
Ultimately, local elections are not simply about parties. They are about whether communities choose to surrender to dysfunction – or participate in changing it.
