BUFFALO CITY, EASTERN CAPE — As the 2026 Local Government Elections (LGE 2026) approach this November, smaller political parties and civic movements are intensifying their campaigns in the Buffalo City Metro. These emerging groups aim to make significant inroads into the council by targeting the current administration, arguing that residents have endured a crippling state of service delivery and are now demanding accountability and transparency regarding the metro’s finances.
Currently, the Buffalo City Metro and the Mangaung Metro stand as the only metropolitan municipalities in the country governed by the ANC without a coalition government. However, newly formed parties believe they can shift this political landscape by focusing on the immediate, everyday needs of the citizens.
Returning to Basics and Financial Accountability
A central pillar for these emerging factions is the promise of accelerated, reliable basic services. Mzukisi Makatse, spokesperson for the Social Democratic Movement (SDM), emphasized the need to return to foundational governance principles.
“If we do not go back to the basics to ensure that accountability is ensured… we revamp our water treatment systems, we deal with the disruptions in electricity, and we ensure services reach our people on time as promised,” Makatse stated. He stressed that residents need to know exactly what services they will receive, at what time, at what rate, and with what level of consistency.
Economic Stimulation and Industrialization
Beyond basic service delivery, the parties have pledged to focus heavily on economic stimulation to combat unemployment. Siphosenkosi Gwavu of the Afrika Mayibuye Movement (AMM) highlighted that job creation, water security, and service delivery are inextricably linked to the city’s development.
“The only way really to develop a city like Buffalo City is to industrialize,” Gwavu explained, noting that their local economic development strategy relies on creating factories and boosting economic activity. He added that without improved infrastructure and working traffic robots on the roads, meaningful progress cannot happen.
Grassroots Challenges: Electricity and Social Welfare
The delivery of water and electricity remains a critical concern on the ground. Vukile Rhongwa of the Thina Bantu Movement (TBM) pointed to the daily struggles faced by residents, specifically highlighting growing communities in areas such as ward 46.
“Our people are suffering in Buffalo City,” Rhongwa said, pointing out severe electricity problems and the rise of illegal connections as key issues his movement intends to resolve.
Social welfare is also emerging as a key campaign topic. Nonzame Ngxaluvana of the African Independent Congress (AIC) drew attention to the vulnerable youth in the metro. “We have children who are living on the streets. They need to be taken care of because young people are the future,” Ngxaluvana said, urging the city to find safe places for them to stay.
As momentum heats up toward the November polls, these smaller parties are betting that a unified focus on jobs, water, infrastructure, and strict financial transparency will be enough to secure their seats on the Buffalo City council.
