As we approach the Local Government Elections of 2026, and today [22 October 2026] Government is launching the Revised White Paper on Local Government, it is critical to reflect on the importance of this sphere of government in improving the quality of life of our citizenry.
Municipalities are the closest sphere of government to the people. They are where democracy must translate into tangible improvements in people's daily lives.
Access to water, sanitation, electricity, roads and waste removal is not merely a service delivery issue; it is fundamental to restoring human dignity and building sustainable communities.
As communities prepare to elect their municipal councillors, the conversation must move beyond political promises towards a practical vision of responsive leadership, effective governance and improved service delivery.
Fixing municipalities requires a balanced relationship between political leadership, administrative competence and active community participation.
Councillors, whether elected through wards or proportional representation, have a responsibility to provide strategic political leadership, represent community interests and exercise effective oversight.
Their role must extend beyond electoral campaigns to meaningful engagement with residents, monitoring service delivery and ensuring that municipal priorities reflect the aspirations of the people.
Municipal administrations, in turn, must translate political priorities into implementable programmes. This requires competent officials, sound financial management, consequence management, infrastructure maintenance and responsible utilisation of public resources.
Political leadership must respect administrative processes, while administrators must remain accountable for delivering on approved plans and budgets.
However, fixing municipalities cannot be the responsibility of the government alone. Communities must become active partners in their own development.
Through ward committees, public participation processes and community initiatives, residents can help identify local challenges and mobilise solutions.
Community-based initiatives in waste management, urban agriculture, youth development, local enterprise and neighbourhood improvement can complement municipal programmes, create opportunities and strengthen social cohesion.
Municipalities should create an enabling environment through partnerships, technical support and access to appropriate resources.
