Ramaphosa urges new councillors to focus on service delivery
Ongoing: Elections Hot
In his weekly newsletter, President Cyril Ramaphosa asked newly elected councillors to work across party lines and restore public trust in local government. He wrote after the Electoral Commission announced the final 2026 local election results on Sunday night.
Ramaphosa said more than 15 million South Africans voted in the elections. He said over 540 parties and close to 137,000 candidates contested council positions. In his view, the higher turnout and the many parties and candidates showed that democracy stays active and vibrant.
He said the elections also showed that the foundations of the country's constitutional democracy remain sound. He said voters demand that people in public service fulfil their duties.
Ramaphosa said those elected must prove that they deserve the trust voters gave them. He asked parties to cooperate in good faith when they form councils. He wants local government to drive development and create opportunity.
Key facts
- Who
- Cyril Ramaphosa (President of South Africa); Electoral Commission (Announced the final 2026 Local Government Elections); Electoral Commission of South Africa (Election management body that announced the 2026 local government election…)
- What
- In his weekly letter to the nation, Ramaphosa called on newly elected councillors to find common ground and become an engine room of service delivery, following the IEC's announcement of the final 2026 Local Government Elections results on Sunday night.
- When
- 9 November 2026
- Where
- South Africa
- Status
- Reported