South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged registered voters to participate in the country’s local government elections scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, saying their votes can help improve municipal governance and service delivery.
In his weekly newsletter published on November 2, Ramaphosa described the election as one of the biggest electoral contests in the country’s democratic history, with 546 political parties and nearly 137,000 candidates.
In the “official statement published by the South African Presidency“ he called on registered voters to make their voices heard and urged political parties and citizens to ensure the poll was not marred by violence or intimidation.
President links voting to better local services
Ramaphosa said local government plays a central role in citizens’ daily lives because municipalities are responsible for essential services, including water, sanitation and electricity.
He argued that reliable municipal services are also important for economic development, as businesses need functioning infrastructure and stable conditions to operate.
The President said the election offered citizens an opportunity to choose representatives who could improve their communities and ensure municipalities fulfil their responsibilities.
He also stressed that political disagreements should not disrupt municipal operations or lead to abandoned projects and the collapse of essential services.
Municipal reforms form part of election debate
The election will determine representation across the country’s metropolitan, district and local municipalities.
The vote comes as the government pursues reforms outlined in its Revised White Paper on Local Government, which seeks to address weaknesses in municipal administration and service delivery.
In his address at the launch of the revised policy, “Ramaphosa said the government would pursue a phased reform programme” supported by a transition management body to coordinate implementation.
The President has also raised concerns about corruption, patronage and political instability in municipalities, arguing that elected representatives must prioritise the needs of residents.
Voters prepare for Wednesday’s poll
The November 4 election will give South Africans the opportunity to choose councillors responsible for decisions affecting their communities, including local infrastructure, public services and municipal budgets.
Ramaphosa’s appeal comes as the country prepares for the vote, with the President urging citizens to use their democratic right to influence local governance.
