Do not forget what they did to you when you mark that cross

Elections remain the most powerful constitutional instrument available to citizens to hold public representatives accountable.

ON November 4, 2026, millions of South Africans will once again head to the polls to elect councillors who will govern municipalities for the next five years.

The election comes at a critical moment. Many municipalities are characterised by unstable coalition governments, deteriorating service delivery, financial distress and growing public frustration.

Yet elections remain the most powerful constitutional instrument available to citizens to hold public representatives accountable.

Former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe once remarked: “Forgive people, but never forget what they did to you, not because you hate them, but to serve as a reminder that you should be careful about trusting them again.”