Harlan Cloete | Public trust in municipalities at risk as voters report poor service and accountability

Harlan Cloete | Public trust in municipalities at risk as voters report poor service and accountability

As South Africa approaches what I consider to be a watershed, 2026 Local Government Elections, much of the public debate has centred on polling, more than 136 000 candidates vying for 10 526 council seats and the anticipated growth of municipal coalitions. If South Africa is to work, local government must not only work, as the revised White Paper advocates but work well. With Brand Local Government in crisis, the fundamental question is whether …