KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has urged eligible voters to participate in the 2026 Local Government Elections, saying their votes determine who represents their interests and addresses their service delivery needs at the municipal level.
Ntuli made the call after casting his vote at his home in eVumanhlamvu, Nkandla, on Wednesday, emphasising that Local Government Elections give communities an opportunity to elect councillors who understand their needs and aspirations.
“I am at home waiting for my councillor to provide me with my needs. It is important to vote because in five years, you may be served by someone you did not vote for and who has no relationship with your needs,” Ntuli said.
The Premier said eligible voters, who choose not to participate in voting, risk allowing others to determine who will represent them, even if those elected do not reflect their preferences or priorities.
He urged those who had become disillusioned with the electoral process not to withdraw from it, arguing that voting is an important way of ensuring that elected representatives understand the needs of their communities.
“Some people say they no longer want to vote because they did not benefit anything. The truth is that if you do not go to vote, you are allowing other people to vote on your behalf and end up voting someone you do not want and not close to your needs,” Ntuli said.
He stressed that local government is important.
“Municipal Elections are very important because the provincial and national levels recognise us, but it is not the same as the councillors.”
He added that voting is essential to sustain planned development initiatives and ensure continued progress in improving people's lives.
He acknowledged that communities continue to face challenges and have aspirations that still need to be addressed but said there are opportunities to identify priorities and build on progress already made.
The Premier reiterated call for citizens to use their democratic right to elect leaders who will represent their interests and work towards improving service delivery in their communities. – SAnews.gov.za
