TSHWANE, GAUTENG — As local government elections approach, Tshwane coalition governance and the resulting political instability have become the central focus for residents and civil society groups. The administrative capital, home to approximately 4 million people across seven regions and 107 wards, has experienced a decade of chaotic leadership since 2016, prompting widespread demands for accountable governance that prioritizes service delivery.
Over 1.5 million registered voters are expected to determine the city’s political future in the upcoming elections. Since the political shift in 2016, Tshwane has seen six mayors due to immense instability under coalition rule. The most recent coalition, formed in 2024 between the ANC, EFF, and ActionSA, and led by ActionSA’s Dr. Nasiphi Moyo, has also failed to deliver the promised structural changes.
Political analysts note that unregulated coalitions have severely impacted the city over the last decade. Service delivery is frequently treated as a favor rather than a fundamental right. This decline is evident in broken infrastructure, widespread service delivery protests, rising crime, and the municipality’s failure to collect revenues, pointing to incompetent leadership and councils.
The impact of this governance failure is heavily felt in the city’s informal settlements. In 2016, Tshwane had just over 100 informal settlements; a decade later, that number has surged to over 500. Residents in these areas express deep hopelessness, citing a severe lack of employment opportunities and pervasive safety concerns due to criminal activity.
Samuel Masila, a community leader in Mamelodi, Atteridgeville, highlighted that coalitions have been a major obstacle to service delivery since 2016.
“Nothing has been happening here in our area. Nothing has changed so far up until now because we are still living in the same conditions,” Masila stated. He pointed to ongoing daily challenges, including unpaved, dusty roads and sewage running through the streets.
Broader challenges under the successive coalitions include an inconsistent water supply, blackouts, aging infrastructure, financial deficits linked to poor revenue collection, crime, unemployment, and a lack of accountability.
Civic representative Tshepo Mahlangu criticized the political alliances, stating they consistently fail to put Tshwane residents first. Describing the situation as a “toxic marriage of convenience,” Mahlangu argued that political actors focus on looting and defrauding residents rather than addressing core issues like stabilizing the city’s finances, delivering basic services, and maintaining infrastructure.
Civil society groups echo these concerns. Abram Mashishi, representing the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO), warned about rogue elements plaguing the city, specifically highlighting the “water tanker mafia” and tender-related corruption.
“Coalition government since 2016 is not working. We must be honest with ourselves… there is no stability, there are no financial muscles, people are suffering,” Mashishi said. He added that visible issues like water shortages and widespread potholes clearly demonstrate a lack of leadership.
In response to the ongoing crisis, ANC spokesperson Mthandazo Dube urged society to vote with their consciences. He advised voters to carefully consider the caliber of candidates, evaluating who they are and what they bring to the table, to ensure they elect leaders who are truly committed to working with communities and prioritizing their interests.
All eyes are now on the upcoming elections to see who will emerge as Tshwane’s seventh mayor since the 2016 power shift. The next administration will face the critical test of demonstrating the political will necessary to ensure stability and improve service delivery, particularly in high-pressure areas like townships and informal settlements where the extent of poor service delivery is most visible.
