FROM THE CEO
This week, South Africans went to the polls to elect the local governments that will shape our cities, towns and communities over the next five years. As the results emerge, there is an opportunity to look beyond the election itself and consider what is needed to build stronger local communities.
For business, the relationship with local government matters long after the ballot boxes have been packed away. Infrastructure, investment, economic development and job creation all depend, in part, on municipalities that understand the needs of their local economies and are willing to engage with the private sector.
At Accelerate Cape Town, bringing business, government and other stakeholders together to address shared challenges is central to our purpose. We look forward to building on existing relationships, forging new partnerships and contributing to a more connected, competitive and resilient Western Cape.
The next chapter is about turning shared interests into meaningful action.
FOCUS ISSUE
Coalition Government: The Real Work Begins Now
With votes being counted and municipal results taking shape, the possibility of coalition governments is once again a central feature of South Africa’s local government landscape. Where no single party secures an outright majority, parties will need to negotiate agreements and find ways to govern together.
But forming a coalition is only the beginning. Its success depends on whether parties can move beyond the negotiations, agree on a common programme and maintain the stability needed to govern effectively.
For residents and businesses, the real measure of any administration is what it delivers. Reliable services, maintained infrastructure, efficient municipal processes and responsible financial management cannot be put on hold while political negotiations continue. Municipalities also need capable leadership, skilled officials and effective administration to turn decisions into results.
This requires clear agreements, defined responsibilities and mechanisms for resolving disagreements. Transparency, accountability and ethical governance must remain central, with public resources directed towards the needs of the communities and economies municipalities serve.
There is also an important opportunity to strengthen the relationship between local government and business. Engaging the private sector in infrastructure planning, investment and economic development can help municipalities access expertise, resources and new approaches to shared challenges.
Ultimately, the success of incoming councils will be measured not by the arrangements that bring them into office, but by their ability to govern effectively and deliver for the people and businesses they serve.
Question for members: What would you most like to see from incoming municipal administrations to improve stability, strengthen accountability and support local economic growth?
A CLOSER LOOK
When Government and Business Work Together
Cape Town’s strategic industry partnership model offers a practical example of how government and business can combine expertise to support economic growth.
Through a network of specialist industry bodies and sector partners, the City works across priority sectors to attract investment, develop industry capacity and create employment opportunities.
In the 2025/26 financial year, City-funded projects delivered through these partnerships contributed R18.9 billion in investment and 15,948 direct jobs. The work spans sectors including business process outsourcing, marine manufacturing, clothing and textiles, ICT, the creative economy and green manufacturing.
The model recognises that government does not need to hold all the expertise itself. By working with organisations that understand their industries, the City can better identify opportunities, address sector-specific challenges and support business growth.
As new municipal administrations take shape, this is an example of how structured partnerships can translate collaboration into tangible economic outcomes.
Read more: City renews strategic industry partnerships to drive jobs and investment | City of Cape Town
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING
Municipal Results: Where the Metros Stand
Counting and verification are under way following Wednesday’s local government elections. Attention is turning to the results across South Africa’s eight metropolitan municipalities, where the allocation of council seats will determine whether parties secure outright majorities or need to negotiate coalition arrangements.
The final composition of these councils will shape municipal leadership and priorities for the next five years. The IEC is required to declare the election results within seven days of election day, making 11 November the statutory deadline, unless an extension is granted by the Electoral Court.
Follow the latest results and metro breakdowns:
- IEC – Official election results
- eNCA – 2026 election results and metro dashboard
- SABC News – Live election results
NUMBER OF THE WEEK
29.2 million
The number of registered voters on South Africa’s voters’ roll for the 2026 local government elections.
That is approximately three million more registered voters than in 2021 when 26.2 million people were registered, an increase of around 11.5%.
Source: South Africans head to polls to elect local government leaders | SAnews
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