MAHIKENG, North West — As the countdown to the 2026 Local Government Elections officially begins, residents of Mahikeng are using the newly proclaimed November 4 polling date to demand urgent accountability and a drastic improvement in municipal service delivery.
The road to the polls formally opened after Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa announced the election date, setting the stage for what is expected to be a fiercely contested municipal race. New political parties are entering the fray, and voters are closely watching to see whether the power-sharing dynamics of the recent Government of National Unity (GNU) will trickle down to local councils, or if the ANC will reclaim unilateral control.
Historically a stronghold, the ruling party’s electoral support in the North West province has steadily declined from over 80 percent in 2004 to just over 58 percent during the 2024 national and provincial elections. In recent local polls, the ANC lost its outright majority in municipalities such as JB Marks and Rustenburg, contributing to roughly four hung councils across the province.
Beyond the ballot box, systemic governance and financial issues loom large. Recent Auditor General reports have highlighted severe municipal mismanagement of finances across the province, noting a heavy reliance on external consultants just to compile annual financial statements.
For the citizens living through these administrative failures, the impact is deeply personal and highly visible. Precious Keshupang, a local resident and spokesperson for community grievances, expressed deep frustration over the lack of opportunities for the youth. Despite holding formal qualifications, many young people in the area remain jobless. Keshupang noted that Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) jobs and similar opportunities seem to be advertised only two or three months before an election, accusing current leaders of recycling the same political appointees rather than empowering the community.
Keshupang emphasized that Mahikeng currently lacks the infrastructure and upkeep expected of a provincial capital, citing deteriorating roads, uncollected rubbish, and severe utility outages. “We spend days without electricity or water,” she noted, stressing that the upcoming polls are a critical chance to elect accountable leaders who will honor their promises rather than failing the public for another five-year term.
The daily disruptions caused by poor service delivery were echoed by a local university student, who recounted how unexpected power outages recently forced the cancellation of classes in the middle of the afternoon, severely compromising their preparation for upcoming semester tests. The student, who utilized the convenient online voter registration system, issued a direct plea to prospective councilors.
“Let’s not do this for fame or status,” the student urged. “Let’s think of other people and not be self-centered. Let’s take it back to the community.”
Other registered voters echoed similar sentiments regarding pothole-riddled streets and persistent water shortages, noting that the local water services authority has struggled to provide consistent access for years. Yet, amid the sobering reflections on the current municipal council’s performance, there remains a resilient sense of hope. As November 4 approaches, the electorate is mobilizing, eager to cast their ballots in the 2026 Local Government Elections and usher in material change for their living conditions.