LOUIS TRICHARDT, LIMPOPO — As the 2026 local elections approach, the African People’s Convention (APC) is positioning itself as a key player in municipal governance, with party President Themba Godi expressing a strong openness to forming strategic coalitions. Speaking to supporters during a campaign rally in Louis Trichardt, Godi emphasized that the party’s primary focus remains on improving service delivery rather than securing political positions.
The APC is actively contesting the upcoming elections across 16 municipalities and four district municipalities in Limpopo, while also expanding its campaign footprint to the North West and other provinces. Party leadership is optimistic about securing an improved performance, anticipating enough votes to lead several municipalities across the four districts.
Strategic Coalitions and Binding Agreements
Addressing the realities of modern electoral outcomes, Godi confirmed the APC’s readiness to govern under a coalition framework. However, he set strict conditions for any potential partnerships to ensure stability and effective governance.
“We are ready to work with anyone as long as there is a governance agenda, there is a signed agreement, and the agreement is binding,” Godi stated. He pointed to the City of Johannesburg as a cautionary tale, noting that governing coalitions without signed, binding agreements often lead to severe political instability.
“We don’t want to be in a coalition for its own sake or for the purpose of positions,” Godi added. “We want to be in a coalition to improve the delivery of services to our people.”
Decentralizing Power: The 20% Ward Budget Proposal
Beyond coalition politics, the APC has introduced a bold policy proposal aimed at fighting municipal-level corruption and decentralizing financial power. The party’s manifesto advocates for a system where 20% of the municipal budget is shared equally among all wards, ensuring that each ward receives its own separate, guaranteed annual budget.
“Money must go to the people,” Godi explained, noting that this decentralized approach would allow communities to spend funds according to their own specific, localized priorities.
Grassroots Support and Final Campaign Push
The push for decentralized budgets and improved governance has resonated deeply with local supporters. Campaigning members noted that the current government has overlooked many South Africans, urging voters to back the APC to address pressing service delivery concerns.
Supporters expressed confidence in the party’s ability to win the local government elections and deliver necessary services within the local municipality. “Many people are looking to vote for the APC,” one supporter noted, reflecting the grassroots enthusiasm driving the campaign.
The APC’s final major campaign rally ahead of election day is scheduled to take place at Njaka-Njaka village, just outside Louis Trichardt, as the party makes its final push to secure voter support in the region.
