SALGA urges voters to choose capable municipal leaders

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has urged registered voters to prioritise the upcoming local government elections and elect ethical, capable and accountable leaders who will shape the future of municipalities.

South Africans will head to the polls on Wednesday, 4 November, to elect representatives who will serve in the country’s seventh local government administration.

SALGA CALLS ON VOTERS TO MAKE INFORMED CHOICES

SALGA said communities have a decisive role to play in building a responsive and effective local government system. It said this responsibility begins with electing leaders who are prepared to serve with integrity and put the public first.

“Voting, therefore, is more than a constitutional right; it is a civic responsibility and a vital part of the social compact through which citizens hold local government to account,” SALGA spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said.

The association encouraged voters to carefully consider the calibre, integrity and commitment of candidates seeking to represent them in municipal councils.

The elections come at a time when municipalities face persistent challenges, including poor service delivery, deteriorating infrastructure and concerns about financial management.

Municipalities are responsible for providing essential services such as water, sanitation and local roads. The leaders elected will therefore play an important role in determining how these services are managed and how communities’ needs are addressed.

SALGA said the future of local government depends largely on the choices voters make at the ballot box, adding that every vote is an opportunity to strengthen local democracy, improve service delivery and place communities at the centre of governance.

REMINDER: SPECIAL VOTES WILL BE CAST FROM MONDAY

Registered voters whose special vote applications have been approved will cast their ballots on Monday, 2 November, and Tuesday, 3 November. All other registered voters will vote on Wednesday, 4 November.

Special votes are intended to allow eligible voters who may be unable to vote on election day to exercise their democratic right.