PRETORIA, Gauteng — As the 2026 local government elections draw near, the IEC has cemented a strict candidate deadline, with Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo declaring that the Friday 5pm cutoff for political parties and independent candidates is absolute, permitting zero amendments or corrections. Concurrently, the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA) is actively mobilizing to ensure these elections remain peaceful in rural jurisdictions, while simultaneously demanding tangible accountability for chronic service delivery failures.
The Ballot Over the Barricade
Contralesa General Secretary Zolani Mkiva addressed the complex dynamic of election-season unrest. While acknowledging the constitutional right to demonstrate over lacking basic services, Mkiva argued that the voting period is the precise, intended mechanism for civic accountability. He urged communities to use their ballots to replace underperforming political parties rather than disrupting the electoral process with protests. Elections, he stressed, must be a serious leadership exercise, not a mere tick-box activity or an avenue for disruptive demonstrations.
Restructuring Rural Service Delivery
A major point of friction in rural areas involves the perceived overlap in responsibilities between ward councilors and traditional chiefs. Mkiva clarified that municipal councils exclusively control the budgets and Integrated Development Plan (IDP) decisions related to service delivery. Traditional authorities, he noted, receive no direct funding for these mandates despite operating at the forefront of community needs.
To resolve this structural imbalance, Contralesa is advocating for a dedicated portion of the national revenue division to be allocated directly to traditional leadership institutions. This adjustment, Mkiva argued, would foster harmony and collaboration with ward councilors, rather than fueling unnecessary competition over resources that traditional leaders do not currently possess.
Infrastructure and Economic Devolution
Highlighting the stark disparities between urban and rural development, Mkiva pointed to the severe backlog of gravel and impassable access roads in rural communities. He stressed that true national transformation requires devolving economic power, including the establishment of local industries and factories in rural spaces. This approach is vital to prevent forced urbanization and to ensure rural citizens are not treated as second-class residents compared to their urban counterparts.
Guaranteeing Political Freedom
Addressing deep-seated concerns about political intimidation, Mkiva provided an unequivocal guarantee: residents under traditional jurisdiction will not face reprisals, such as the denial of tribal land rights, for their political affiliations or for wearing specific party apparel. He affirmed that traditional palaces and royal residences remain open to all political formations for campaigning, provided they follow proper protocols. Traditional leadership, he noted, will not employ favoritism or bias toward any specific political entity.
Campaigning Boundaries and Respect
While welcoming political mobilization in townships, peri-urban, and rural areas, Mkiva drew a hard line against opportunistic campaigning. Political parties must formally request to host their own gatherings and are strictly forbidden from gatecrashing funerals or hijacking organized community meetings to impose partisan agendas. He emphasized that funerals are sacred spaces for mourning and must never be politicized to divide unified audiences.
Combating Disinformation and Voter Apathy
With over 600 political parties now registered with the IEC, reflecting deep political polarization and voter disillusionment, Mkiva issued a stern warning against the spread of fake news on social media. He called on the public to reject disinformation and instead participate in high numbers.
Expressing disappointment over declining voter turnout in previous electoral cycles, he encouraged citizens to channel their frustrations constructively. Voters should cast their ballots responsibly for trustworthy, skilled leaders, rather than staying home in apathy or voting purely out of emotion.
Protecting the Elderly Vote
To maximize democratic participation, Contralesa is pressing the IEC to optimize special voting arrangements. Mkiva specifically requested that robust mechanisms be put in place to allow the elderly to vote comfortably a day before the main election, ensuring their voices are captured without the physical strain of election day. Through this comprehensive, constructive engagement, traditional leaders aim to act as the eyes and ears of their communities, safeguarding the credibility, freedom, and fairness of the upcoming electoral process.
