Put people first: Ramaphosa urges new local leaders to get straight to work

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The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) announced the final election results on Sunday after a vote in which more than 15-million South Africans cast their ballots last week. A total of 521 political parties and about 137,000 candidates contested ward and proportional representation (PR) seats across the country.

In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa said South Africans should be proud the elections were free, fair and peaceful, describing the process as a fundamental pillar of the country’s democratic constitution.

He said this year marks three decades since the constitution was signed into law, establishing South Africa as a multi-party democracy.

Ramaphosa highlighted that political choices worldwide are shaped by everyday, practical issues that matter most to voters, adding South Africans are no different.

“They want work and economic opportunity. They want reliable and affordable supplies of water and electricity, well-maintained public spaces, and neighbourhoods where they feel safe. They want municipalities that are well run and local finances that are soundly managed.”

With the 2026 elections recording a decline in single-party majorities and an increase in hung municipalities requiring multi-party coalitions, Ramaphosa urged councillors to look past political differences and work together for the benefit of the people.

“Winning the confidence of the electorate at the ballot box must never be taken for granted,” he said.

“Political parties must co-operate in good faith to reach agreement on the election of office bearers so councils can be constituted and get to work. In the interests of effective, accountable local government, those who have been elected must work to find common ground from the very outset, regardless of their political differences.”

He stressed councillors must prioritise service delivery, put the needs of residents first, and ensure local government functions effectively.

“Through this election, the South African people are demanding those entrusted with public service fulfil their responsibilities. Those who have been elected to councils now need to prove themselves worthy of the trust placed in them.

“We need to make local government an engine room of service delivery, a driver of development and a creator of opportunity. This calls for councillors who put the needs of communities ahead of any other interests, who listen and respond to residents, and who carry out their duties with humility.”

Ramaphosa emphasised that “work must now begin in earnest”.

He extended his gratitude to the IEC, the police, the defence force and other government officials for ensuring the election process ran smoothly, and commended political parties and candidates for campaigning responsibly.

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