546 parties, 137,000 candidates and a troubled local government system: Ramaphosa warns of corruption - IOL

President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned against political violence and attacks ahead of the November 4, Local Government Elections.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has raised concerns about councillors allegedly being bought by businesspeople, corrupt tender arrangements and killings linked to local government power struggles, exposing the realities facing municipalities as nearly 137,000 candidates prepare to contest the country's 2026 Local Government Elections (LGE).

In his weekly newsletter, released by the Presidency on Monday, Ramaphosa said the local government elections on Wednesday represented one of the biggest electoral contests in the country’s democratic history, offering voters an opportunity to reshape municipalities and demand better service delivery.

He warned that the elections must not be undermined by violence, intimidation or political interference, particularly amid a history of killings and violent disputes linked to competition for power and access to municipal resources.

“As a nation, we must come together to ensure that the upcoming poll is not marred by acts of violence or intimidation,” he said.

The president said the police had spent several months conducting risk assessments, operational planning and simulation exercises to prepare for voting day.

The police had indicated that they were ready to ensure a peaceful and safe election.

Ramaphosa also pointed to the continued participation of women and the growing number of independent candidates as signs of South Africa's evolving democratic landscape.

He said every election since 1994 had been free and fair, with public confidence in the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) remaining high.

However, he acknowledged that persistent municipal failures had damaged public trust, with corruption, patronage and political power struggles contributing to poor governance.

He described how some municipal officials had colluded with businesspeople to secure tenders for services that were either substandard or never delivered.

He also highlighted allegations that councillors were bought off by business interests, placing procurement opportunities ahead of community needs.

The consequences, he said, had extended beyond financial mismanagement, with disputes over municipal power and resources contributing to violence, including attacks and killings involving ward candidates, councillors and municipal officials.

Against this backdrop, Ramaphosa called on voters to scrutinise those seeking public office, saying the responsibility for improving local government did not rest with government alone.

He said the newly launched White Paper on Local Government was intended to address structural weaknesses and strengthen municipal performance through financial reforms, professional administration and greater accountability.

Among the proposed changes is the ring-fencing of revenue generated from electricity and water sales to ensure the money is reinvested in maintaining critical infrastructure.

The reforms also propose compulsory licensing for electricity and water providers, requiring them to meet minimum competency standards.

Where municipalities cannot fulfil particular responsibilities, those functions could be transferred to another sphere of government or a capable entity.

Ramaphosa said municipalities also needed stronger financial management, improved revenue collection, reduced losses and tighter control over spending.

He stressed that municipal leadership and administrative positions should be filled on the basis of qualifications and competence, with officials held accountable for the theft of public resources, procurement manipulation and neglect of their duties.

The president said municipalities were central to providing constitutionally guaranteed services, including water, sanitation and electricity, while reliable infrastructure and stable communities were also essential to attracting business investment.

The newly elected leaders of eight metropolitan municipalities, 44 district municipalities and 205 local municipalities will take office as government seeks to overhaul the local government system.

Ramaphosa urged registered voters to use their ballots to influence the future of their communities.

“However we vote on Wednesday, let us strive for better, safer, cleaner and more prosperous communities. Let us vote for progress and development,” he said.