The countdown is on as South Africa prepares for significant political changes that will shape local governance in the coming years.
With the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) set to announce the final results of the 2026 Local Government Elections on Sunday, 8 November, attention will swiftly pivot towards the pressing task of establishing new municipal councils.
These councils will be charged with the critical role of enhancing governance, accountability, and service delivery across various municipalities.
To ensure the smooth transition and functional stability of local governance, the Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG), National Treasury, and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) have jointly issued a set of comprehensive guidelines.
Signed on 30 September 2026, these guidelines provide a structured roadmap addressing the establishment of new councils, the election of office-bearers, the management of coalition arrangements, administrative handovers, and the execution of municipal development priorities.
Strengthening governance and accountability
The collaborative effort among DCoG, National Treasury, and SALGA underscores a firm commitment to empowering municipalities to tackle the pressing issues of governance and service delivery effectively. Stakeholders are being urged to work in solidarity to cultivate stability, ethical leadership, sound financial management, and responsive governance, especially during the transitional period following the elections.
The emphasis on reporting any instances of fraud, corruption, maladministration, or governance failures to the appropriate authorities signals a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and poor governance practices.
The electoral shifts also coincide with challenges faced in the current local governance landscape, characterized by infrastructure deficits, service delivery hiccups, and rising political instability.
Notably, the aftermath of the 2021 elections saw a marked increase in coalition-led municipalities, which rose to 76, highlighting the urgent need for solid governance frameworks and political stability to ensure municipal functionality.
Establishing new councils and leadership roles
Once the final election results are declared, one of the foremost tasks will be to convene the newly elected municipal councils.
According to Section 29(2) of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 1998, the municipal manager, or a designated representative from the provincial MEC overseeing local government, is required to hold the first council meeting within 14 days of the election declaration.
This meeting will serve as a platform to elect key office-bearers such as the Speaker, mayors, and executive mayors, as well as to delineate the composition of various committees as necessitated by the legislative framework.
Of significant interest will be the coalition negotiations in municipalities where no single party has achieved an outright majority. The guidelines urge that these political agreements remain aligned with constitutional frameworks and relevant legislation, emphasizing the importance of early negotiations to mitigate governance uncertainties.
A comprehensive handover of responsibilities
A critical aspect of the transition will be the formal handover of responsibilities from outgoing leadership to newly elected councils. To facilitate this, the guidelines recommend two detailed reports: a political handover report and an administrative handover report. The political report, spearheaded by key political leaders, will reflect on the municipality’s governance and operational performance during the outgoing term, providing insight into challenges encountered and future considerations. The administrative report will comprehensively outline the municipality’s financial health, service delivery status, infrastructure projects, and outstanding commitments.
Ensuring financial accountability and consequence management
As new councils begin their terms, they will inherit the daunting responsibility of managing municipal finances. The guidelines stipulate that budgets must be credible, funded, and aligned with anticipated revenue to maintain fiscal stability. Incoming councillors will need to prioritize timely payments to creditors, notably essential services like Eskom, to preclude service disruptions and financial disarray. Furthermore, transferring audit responsibilities during this transitional period will be vital to ensure ongoing compliance and integrity in municipal financial management.
To reinforce the commitment to transparency and accountability, the guidelines highlight that public resources should not be diverted for political activities—sending a clear message that adherence to financial protocols remains non-negotiable.
Revamping development plans and municipal systems
New councils will also bear the crucial task of revising existing municipal planning instruments, ensuring alignment with contemporary development priorities.
They must review their system of delegations within one year and consider Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) to map out service delivery and project goals effectively.
Moreover, the establishment of ward committees within 120 days, as mandated by recent legislation, will enhance community participation in local governance, fostering a more inclusive and responsive administration.
Building a capable municipal administration
Strengthening the professional capacity of municipal administrations is touted as a key focus, with encouragement for municipalities to implement established staff regulations efficiently.
New councillors will also benefit from an Integrated Councillor Induction Programme, designed to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills for effective governance.
As South Africa transitions into this new electoral era, the importance of robust, transparent, and effective local governance cannot be overstated.
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Picture: Chris McGrath / Getty Images
