PRETORIA, Gauteng — As the Tshwane municipal elections approach on November 5, residents are navigating a complex political landscape defined by the prospect of continued coalition politics and persistent infrastructure failures. With weeks of campaigning remaining, voters are questioning whether political maneuvering has translated into actual governance or merely an occupation of the municipality.
The electoral battle is heavily influenced by the likelihood of another five years of coalition governance. Mainstream political parties are increasingly campaigning alongside independent candidates, positioning them as the catalyst for change that voters demand. Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) has drawn attention for its campaign strategy. The party’s posters prominently feature the party president, with no clear mayoral candidate displayed, despite having six names in contention for the mayoral position.
Defending the strategy, ANC spokesperson Joel Masilela ka Mahlangu explained that the six candidates provide strategic direction and are “beyond reproach.” He stated that these individuals possess the distinctive ability required to move the municipality forward, emphasizing that the party’s support base remains satisfied with the six faces presented.
Despite the political maneuvering, voter apathy is a significant factor. A vendor in his late 30s, who commutes daily from a township to sell goods on the pavement, cited the rising cost of living as the primary reason he will not be voting. For many residents in similar circumstances, economic realities have far outpaced the promises made on the campaign trail.
However, belief in the democratic process persists for others. Paul Roos, who runs a tour guide business with his wife in the shadow of the Union Buildings, remains an active voter, drawing parallels to his historic “yes” vote in the end-apartheid referendum. Roos praised his local ward councillor for proactive communication, noting that the councillor answers the phone and keeps the community updated on electricity substation issues, water disruptions, and ongoing maintenance work.
This contrast in service delivery is sharply visible in Kuvuki, an informal settlement grappling with a lack of electricity and running water. Residents report that water tankers, which are supposed to arrive several times a week, frequently fail to show up. The community is also facing threats of relocation to areas further from essential services, a move pensioner Lodina James strongly opposes. Living with her husband, daughter, and grandchildren, and relying on a slab of solar panels for electricity, James noted that the increased transport fares from a relocated site would be impossible to cover on social grants. She recalled a recent meeting with the mayor at a local civic center where progress was promised, but the community is still waiting for tangible results.
Residents of Kuvuki also expressed deep frustration with their current councillor, accusing him of refusing to visit the area or recognize the community over two consecutive terms, despite multiple invitations from local leaders.
The infrastructure deficits have led to tragic consequences. A mother and daughter, who requested their faces not be shown, revealed they buried their one-year-old child in January after the toddler fell into a pit being dug for a toilet. They emphasized that if the settlement had proper running water, the dangerous pit would never have been necessary. This tragedy has left them undecided about participating in the upcoming vote, questioning the utility of casting a ballot if conditions remain unchanged.
Kuvuki falls under the jurisdiction of outgoing ward councillor Benjamin Lawrence. Reflecting on his tenure, Lawrence described the last five years as a “roller coaster ride” marked by political instability. He acknowledged that the handover to the next councillor involves passing on both progress and significant challenges, particularly regarding electricity stability and water infrastructure, which still require extensive work.
As the November 5 mandate approaches, the ultimate question remains whether voters will endorse another coalition arrangement or push for a majority party to take control of the council. Yet, for many disillusioned residents, apathy remains the most prominent voice in the municipality’s political landscape.
