MAHIKENG, North West — The campaign trail for the Mahikeng 2026 Local Government Elections is officially underway, bringing with it a wave of urgent demands from residents who are tired of chronic municipal failures. With the November 4 polling date now cemented, citizens in the North West provincial capital are leveraging the upcoming ballot to demand accountable leadership and an end to systemic service delivery neglect.
The road to the polls formally opened after Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa proclaimed the election date. The announcement has set the stage for a fiercely contested municipal race, with new political parties entering the fray and voters closely watching to see whether the power-sharing dynamics of the recent Government of National Unity (GNU) will trickle down to local councils, or if the ruling party will reclaim unilateral control.
A Shifting Political Landscape and Financial Red Flags
The political stakes in the province are notably high. Historically a stronghold, the ANC’s electoral support in the North West has steadily declined from over 80 percent in 2004 to just over 58 percent during the 2024 national and provincial elections. In recent local polls, the party lost its outright majority in municipalities including JB Marks and Rustenburg, contributing to roughly four hung councils across the province.
Beyond the ballot box, systemic governance issues loom large. Recent Auditor General reports have highlighted severe municipal mismanagement of finances across the province, noting a troubling reliance on expensive external consultants just to compile annual financial statements.
“They Choose the Same People Over and Over”
For the citizens living through these administrative failures, the impact is deeply personal. Precious Keshupang, a local resident and vocal community spokesperson, expressed deep frustration over the lack of opportunities for the youth. Despite holding formal qualifications, many young people in the area remain locked out of the economy.
Keshupang noted that Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) jobs and similar opportunities seem to be miraculously advertised only two or three months before an election, accusing current leaders of using public employment as a political tool.
“Those leaders are choosing the same people over and over again,” Keshupang explained, emphasizing that qualified youth are routinely bypassed. She painted a grim picture of daily life in the provincial capital, noting that residents frequently endure up to four days without electricity or water. According to Keshupang, the deteriorating roads and poor upkeep mean that Mahikeng currently lacks the infrastructure expected of a capital city.
Students and Professionals Bear the Brunt of Infrastructure Collapse
The daily disruptions caused by poor service delivery were echoed by a local university student who plans to cast their ballot for the first time. Utilizing the convenient online voter registration system, the student highlighted how municipal failures directly impact education.
Unannounced power outages recently forced the cancellation of classes in the middle of the afternoon, severely compromising preparation for upcoming semester tests in an already short second semester. Furthermore, the local water services authority, LMA, has struggled to provide consistent access for years, while residents report waiting two to three days for basic rubbish collection.
Standing near streets riddled with massive potholes, the student issued a direct, impassioned plea to prospective councilors.
“Let’s not do this for fame or status,” the student urged. “Let’s think of other people and not be self-centered. Let’s take it back to the community… implement opportunities for others.”
Looking Ahead to November 4
Other registered voters echoed similar sentiments, questioning whether the incoming municipal council will prioritize genuine community upliftment over political patronage. Despite the sobering reflections on the current council’s performance and the province’s struggling infrastructure, there remains a resilient sense of civic duty.
As November 4 approaches, the electorate is mobilizing. Having verified their registrations and voiced their grievances, the residents of Mahikeng are heading to the 2026 Local Government Elections eager to usher in material change and hold their future leaders to their promises.
