Pretoria:The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has emphasized the importance of transitioning focus from election processes to the establishment of stable, capable, and accountable municipal councils following the 2026 Local Government Elections.
According to South African Government News Agency, the elections took place on Wednesday, 4 November, with the final results declared by the Electoral Commission (IEC) on Sunday, 8 November. SALGA has urged political parties, especially in municipalities with no outright majority, to prioritize community interests.
A hung council, where no single party holds a majority, presents a unique challenge. SALGA has called for coalition arrangements that ensure stability, accountability, and effective service delivery, rather than causing instability that could undermine municipal performance.
The association praised the IEC for successfully administering the elections and expressed gratitude to South African voters for participating in the democratic process. SALGA highlighted the need to focus on effective local governance, translating electoral mandates into actionable governance.
SALGA is committed to supporting the incoming councils during their seventh democratic term, emphasizing the need for developmental local government. The revised White Paper on Local Government marks a critical juncture for this sector. To assist councillors in their roles, SALGA plans to implement the Integrated Councillor Induction Programme (ICIP).
The association expressed concern over political violence and fatalities during the election period, offering condolences to affected families. SALGA condemned such acts and called for justice, urging law enforcement to ensure a safe democratic process for all citizens.