Coalition politics faces a service delivery test as local government elections approach

As South Africans prepare for the local government elections, experts have warned that political deals and changes in leadership will mean little unless municipalities improve service delivery, financial accountability and public confidence.

The battle for control of South Africa’s municipalities is about more than winning votes, with political parties facing growing pressure to prove they can govern effectively and turn election promises into better services.

This was a key theme at Frontline Conversations 2026, hosted by Frontline Africa Advisory and the Regenesys School of Public Management in Sandton on Tuesday.

Held under the theme “South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Elections: What the Elections Mean for Municipal Governance and South Africa’s Developmental State”, the engagement brought together government, business, academics and civil society to discuss the challenges facing municipalities.

The discussions highlighted that coalition governments are not automatically destined to fail, but unstable political arrangements can disrupt decision-making, delay appointments and undermine municipal development plans.

The bigger question is whether parties entering governing arrangements can agree on priorities and allow municipal administrations to function without repeated political interference.

The event opened with remarks from Regenesys founding director Dr William Vivian and Frontline Africa Advisory managing director Thembinkosi Gcoyi.

Incoming Rand Water board chairperson Gcinumzi Qotywa highlighted the relationship between municipal governance, infrastructure and financial management.

Figures presented during his address showed that national average municipal non-revenue water increased from approximately 37% in 2014 to 47% in 2023.

Municipal debt owed to water boards also increased from R22.36 billion in June 2024 to R23.77 billion by 31 July 2026, reaching R28 billion when current accounts were included.

The figures illustrate the financial and operational pressures confronting municipalities as they attempt to maintain infrastructure and provide essential services.

Qotywa also highlighted the proposed Vaal Corporation Water Utility partnership between Rand Water and Emfuleni Local Municipality, intended to improve water and sanitation services, strengthen revenue collection and reduce water losses.

The keynote address was delivered by Advocate Melanchton Makobe on behalf of Minister Maropene Ramokgopa. It focused on municipal performance monitoring and the importance of measuring whether government plans translate into tangible results.

Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans and SANCO president Richard Mkhungo addressed the need to place communities at the centre of local government, highlighting public trust, responsiveness and meaningful participation.

Preola Adam, senior director for sustainability in Africa at The Coca-Cola Company, discussed public-private partnerships in addressing water challenges.

Political stability does not guarantee good governance

The first panel, facilitated by ESG Analytics managing director Sifiso Skenjana, featured political analyst and Regenesys academic Dr Godfrey Kgosinyane and Business Unity South Africa chief executive officer Khulekani Mathe.

The panel examined how municipal leadership affects businesses, particularly through infrastructure reliability, development approvals, procurement and administrative responsiveness.

The second panel, facilitated by Regenesys representative Brenda Mothogoane, featured Kamohelo Mothibedi, principal investment officer for municipal and waterboards finance at the Development Bank of Southern Africa, and Siyabulela Jentile, founder of Civic Root Advocacy.

Their discussion focused on local government’s role in investment, economic growth and community confidence.

A key concern raised at the engagement was the financial management of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane.

Participants questioned why these metros could have qualified accounting officers and formal accountability structures while continuing to experience financial management weaknesses.

The discussion highlighted the need to move beyond formal compliance and ensure that financial controls, budgets and corrective measures lead to better services.

Five tests for the next administration

Zamokwakhe Somhlaba, research and political risk advisory manager at Frontline Africa Advisory, identified five indicators for assessing municipal performance after the elections: political stability, institutional capacity, service delivery and infrastructure, economic confidence, and community confidence.

The framework highlights the need to assess not only who wins political power, but whether the resulting administration can deliver.

South Africa’s eight metropolitan municipalities serve more than 22 million people and account for approximately 85% of the country’s economic activity, according to the event report.

Their performance has direct implications for businesses, investment, employment and residents’ access to essential services.

The discussions concluded that political change alone cannot repair failing municipalities.

The next municipal leadership will be judged on whether it can maintain stable governing arrangements, manage public finances responsibly, improve infrastructure and restore public trust.

For residents, the decisive measure will be whether election promises translate into reliable services and better living conditions.