Ramaphosa Urges Parties to Put Communities Before Power as 2026 Local Government Elections Results Announced

Midrand, The Gulf Observer: President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on political parties to place the interests of communities ahead of political power and positions as they negotiate the formation of municipal governments following the 2026 Local Government Elections in South Africa.

Speaking at the announcement of the final election results at the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Results Operations Centre at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand on Sunday, the President cautioned that political disagreements must not undermine municipal stability or delay the delivery of essential services.

Hung Councils a Reflection of Voters’ Choices

Addressing municipalities where no single party secured an outright majority, President Ramaphosa said elected representatives would need to find common ground. “This is not a weakness of democracy. It is an expression of the choices that the people have made,” he said, adding that voters had given their representatives a responsibility to work together, even where they differ.

He stressed that coalition negotiations must be guided by the public good rather than contests over positions, privileges or the distribution of power. “The stability of our municipalities cannot be sacrificed to narrow political interests. The delivery of essential services cannot be held hostage by political disagreements,” the President said.

“The people did not cast their votes so that their representatives could spend the next five years fighting among themselves. They voted because they expect their lives to improve,” he added.

Call for Swift Formation of Councils

President Ramaphosa urged parties to negotiate in good faith so that councils could be constituted without delay, office-bearers elected and municipalities able to begin their work. “Budgets must be passed on time. Those elected must find common ground and work together,” he said, calling for local government to become “an engine of service delivery, development and opportunity.”

Message to Newly Elected Councillors

Congratulating newly elected councillors, the President reminded them that they would serve in the sphere of government closest to the daily lives of South Africans. Their duty, he said, extended beyond occupying seats in council chambers to listening to communities, responding to their needs and addressing concerns with honesty and integrity.

“The election is now over. The work of serving the people must begin,” President Ramaphosa said, describing public office as a privilege that carries a duty of service.

Socioeconomic Challenges Facing Communities

The President noted that the 2026 Local Government Elections took place against the backdrop of considerable socioeconomic challenges, including the high cost of living, unemployment, particularly among young people, and inadequate municipal services in many areas.

South Africans, he said, want safe communities, well-maintained infrastructure, thriving businesses and opportunities for young people. “They want water to come out of the tap and electricity that works. They want their refuse collected, their parks maintained and their streets safe,” he said, emphasising that elected representatives would be judged by their ability to turn election promises into tangible improvements.

Revised White Paper on Local Government

President Ramaphosa said the revised White Paper on Local Government, which envisages significant changes to how municipalities function and are managed, would provide a framework for strengthening the local government system. The policy sets out measures to strengthen municipalities, improve their finances, direct resources towards infrastructure maintenance and ensure efficient and reliable service delivery.

Elections Mark 30 Years of the Constitution

Reflecting on the significance of the polls, the President noted that they took place in the year marking 30 years since South Africa’s Constitution was signed into law. The participation of more than 540 political parties and nearly 137,000 candidates, he said, demonstrated the vibrant multi-party character of the country’s democracy at a time when democratic systems are under strain in many parts of the world.

“The people have spoken. Their verdict must be respected. Their concerns must be heard. And their expectations must now be met. Let us work together to make local government work for every South African,” President Ramaphosa said.

The 2026 Local Government Elections were held on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, with special voting taking place on 2 and 3 November.