Opinion piece by Errol Naidoo; Family Policy Institute
The 2026 Municipal Elections is upon us. Polling data from several agencies indicate the local government elections on 4 November will be the most consequential. For the first time, no political party is expected to win an outright majority in the 8 major metro’s in SA.
The ANC’s governance failures ensured South Africa moved away from one party dominance. The 2024 National General Elections saw the creation of the 10 party coalition Government of National Unity (GNU) because no political party won an outright majority.
Coalitions governing municipalities and metro’s is the new reality in SA. Polling data predicts voter turnout on 4 November will be the lowest yet. Voter turnout steadily declined since 1994. Only 48.8% of registered voters are expected to turn up on Election Day.
This is bad news for the ANC. Its disgruntled voters tend to stay away. ANC support is expected to decline across the country. The DA will increase support in certain metro’s but not win majorities. Some smaller parties will grow – acting as kingmakers in coalitions.
The expected significant decline in voter turnout and the end of majority party rule could fundamentally reshape South Africa’s municipal political landscape. ANC/EFF/ActionSA coalitions have destroyed and bankrupted major metro’s and municipalities in Gauteng.
South African municipalities recorded R145.21 billion in irregular expenditure and R24.12 billion in fruitless and wasteful expenditure over the period covered by National Treasury’s July 2026 statement. These are municipalities run mainly by corrupt ANC led coalitions.
In July, Treasury withheld funding from 69 municipalities over financial and compliance failures, while Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana proposed stricter financial controls to improve accountability. Mostly ANC run municipalities failed to receive clean audits.
The majority of eligible voters believe voting will not change anything. So they will opt out on 4 November. But not voting ensures things remain the same. That’s why the Christian voter must vote on Election Day. You can only effect change if you actively vote for change.
I appeal to the Christian voter. Please don’t believe the lie that voting for a smaller party is a wasted vote. Voting for a smaller party/candidate (closest to your values) could bring about the change you and I are hoping and praying for. Vote your values – value your vote.
You will receive two ballot papers. On the first you vote for your preferred Ward Councillor (independent or party). The second is a Proportional Representation (PR) vote for a political party. You can vote for a ward candidate from one party and PR for another party.
Do not believe the promises of politicians. Study the party/candidate’s track record. The ANC, EFF and Jacob Zuma’s track record reveal not a single voter should vote for them. Combined, they have caused SA and its suffering people the most economic devastation.
On 2 November, the Trump administration announced South Africa and Rwanda will be ejected from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) effective 1 January 2027. SA, the largest beneficiary of the trade agreement, stands to lose billions in lost revenue.
The Christian voter must vote prayerfully and responsibly. Ask God for wisdom (James 1,5). Most of the country’s municipalities are bankrupt and in ruin. The ANC is guilty of most of this carnage – causing its decline. Coalitions that replace them are equally critical.
For example, the DA has welcomed the “World Pride” event in Cape Town in 2028. The DA funds and endorses annual LGBTQ pride parades without consulting ratepayers. Christian voters must ensure their vote is not utilised to celebrate and promote sinful lifestyles.
Christian citizens are urged “to pray for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” 1 Timothy 2:2. The clear command of Scripture is that the Christian Church must be a force for good in society.
God commands His people Israel – living in captivity in pagan Babylon – to “seek the peace of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to Yahweh on its behalf; for in its peace you will have peace.” Jer 29:7.
Pray for the peace of your city. Pray, Vote, Stand.
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Date published: 03/10/2026
Feature image: Sourced from Magnific; for illustration purposes only.
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