President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged all elected political parties to work together to form municipal councils without delay. Speaking at the announcement of the 2026 Local Government Elections results at the Results Operations Centre in Midrand, Ramaphosa says the interests of citizens should not be drowned by the quest for political parties to settle political scores.
“Our people’s interest must not be drowned by the quest of political parties or representatives to settle political scores or petty squabbles. Political parties must approach this responsibility with maturity, humility and a genuine commitment to the public good. Negotiations over the formation of municipal governments must not become contests over positions, privileges or the distribution of power.”
“I call upon all political leaders to place the interests of communities above all else. Let us demonstrate that our democracy is capable not only of managing political competition, but also of producing cooperation in the service of the people,” adds Ramaphosa.
The President has called on leaders to turn local government into an engine of service delivery.
The Electoral Commission (IEC) says a total of 10 526 council seats were contested through the 2026 municipal elections.
The African National Congress (ANC) received 30.89% of the votes and secured 3 164 council seats, while the Democratic Alliance (DA) received 24.60% of the votes and secured 1 527 council seats.
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) received 9.61% of the vote and secured 701 council seats, while the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) received 6.25% of the vote and secured 505 council seats.
ActionSA received 5.68% of the vote and secured 219 council seats.
The President has urged parties to negotiate in good faith during coalition negotiations.
“Councils must be constituted without any delay. Parties must negotiate in good faith to elect office bearers so that councils can get to works. Those elected must find common ground and work together. We must turn local government an engine of service delivery of development and opportunity,” adds the President.
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