South Africa: President Urges Parties to Put Service Delivery Ahead of Political Interests

What the report says

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged South African political parties to put community needs ahead of political advantage as they negotiate coalitions and leadership arrangements in municipalities after the 2026 local government elections. Speaking at the Independent Electoral Commission’s results centre in Midrand, he warned that disputes over positions should not destabilize councils or slow essential services.

According to SAnews.gov.za, Ramaphosa said parties in municipalities without outright majorities must find common ground and form councils without delay. He framed cooperation as a normal feature of democracy, arguing that voters expect representatives to work together, pass budgets on time and deliver practical improvements in daily life.

He also congratulated newly elected councillors and said local government is the sphere closest to residents’ everyday concerns. He pointed to continuing pressures such as high living costs, unemployment and uneven municipal services, saying people want reliable water, electricity, waste collection, safer streets and maintained infrastructure. He said elected leaders would be judged on whether they turn campaign promises into visible results.

The report notes that the election took place on 4 November 2026, with final results announced on Sunday in Midrand. As general context, South Africa’s coalition politics at local level can make municipal governance more complex when no party wins a clear majority, increasing the importance of negotiations over who leads councils and how services are managed.