PRETORIA, Gauteng — As the 2026 local government elections approach, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has drawn a firm line regarding the upcoming Friday 5pm deadline for political parties and independent candidates to submit their candidate lists. Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo confirmed that no corrections or amendments will be permitted after the cut-off, signaling a strict administrative stance to ensure electoral integrity.
Amidst this rigid timeline, the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA) is actively partnering with the electoral body to guarantee a peaceful and credible voting environment, particularly in rural areas. CONTRALESA General Secretary Zolani Mkiva emphasized that while citizens have a constitutional right to protest over basic service delivery failures, the election period itself is the designated time to hold underperforming political parties accountable at the ballot box, not through disruptive demonstrations.
Service Delivery and the Role of Traditional Leadership
Addressing the frequent tensions between ward councilors and traditional chiefs over service provision, Mkiva clarified the structural realities of local governance. He noted that ward councilors sit within municipal councils where budgets and Integrated Development Plan (IDP) decisions are made, whereas traditional leaders receive no direct budget for service delivery.
Mkiva argued that because traditional authorities operate at the coalface of community needs, a portion of the national revenue division should be specifically appropriated to the institution of traditional leadership. He called for harmonization between traditional leaders and ward councilors, criticizing those who spend their five-year terms fighting traditional structures rather than focusing on delivering services.
Highlighting the severe infrastructure backlog in rural communities, such as unpaved and impassable access roads, Mkiva stressed the need for balanced development. He advocated for the devolution of power and the establishment of industries and factories in rural spaces to curb unreasonable urbanization and ensure equitable economic opportunities across the country.
Guaranteeing Political Freedom and Fair Campaigning
Addressing fears of political intimidation, Mkiva issued a firm guarantee that residents under traditional jurisdiction will face no reprisals for their political affiliations. He affirmed that no traditional authority will persecute or mistreat individuals for supporting a specific political party or wearing a party’s t-shirt, labeling such actions as unconstitutional and contrary to democratic principles.
While political parties are welcome to campaign in all communities, including rural and peri-urban areas, Mkiva set clear boundaries. Parties must formally request to create their own forums and are strictly prohibited from gatecrashing funerals or imposing partisan agendas on organized community meetings. “A funeral is not a space where people must come and campaign,” Mkiva stated, emphasizing the need to respect unified spaces of mourning.
Combating Fake News and Voter Apathy
With over 600 political parties currently registered with the IEC, Mkiva acknowledged the polarized political atmosphere and the disillusionment among voters. In response, CONTRALESA is urging the public to desist from circulating fake news and disinformation on social media, which can severely undermine the democratic process.
Mkiva issued a clarion call for high voter turnout, expressing dissatisfaction with the apathy and declining participation seen in previous elections. He encouraged citizens to vote responsibly and strategically, rather than out of pure emotion or staying home in frustration. “Elections should not be a political game or a tick-box exercise,” he noted. “This is a commitment of leadership that must change the lives of the people for the better.”
To ensure maximum participation, CONTRALESA is also urging the IEC to implement robust mechanisms for special votes, particularly for the elderly, allowing them to cast their ballots comfortably a day before the main election date. By fostering an enabling environment and acting as the eyes and ears of their communities, traditional leaders aim to ensure the 2026 local government elections are free, fair, and truly reflective of the people’s will.