South Africa's 2026 local elections: Choose candidates wisely

Letter to the editor. Rozario Brown, Mouille Point The forthcoming local government elections will be a defining moment in our country's democratic journey. They present voters with an opportunity and a responsibility to determine the quality of leadership, governance and public services that will shape our communities for years to come. This is not normal Across parts of our country, circumstances that should be regarded as unacceptable have increasingly become normalised: households going without water; residents enduring prolonged electricity outages; motorists navigating dangerous potholes; communities living alongside raw sewage; and children losing their lives after consuming food or beverages from unregulated outlets that pose serious risks to public health. Young children are dying daily, and gangs are threatening our way of life. This is not normal. It is not acceptable. As voters, we must therefore take our responsibility far more seriously. We must look beyond political party affiliations and scrutinise the individuals seeking our votes. Character matters. Integrity matters. Conduct matters. Character matters One of the clearest windows into a candidate's character is their conduct on social media. Observe carefully how they communicate, particularly with people who disagree with them or hold opposing political views. Do they demonstrate integrity, maturity and respect? Do they use their platforms to inform, engage and unite communities? If so, that is the kind of person worthy of public office. Conversely, if a candidate routinely uses public platforms to insult, humiliate, belittle or degrade others, voters should consider carefully what that behaviour may look like once that individual has the authority of public office. If someone demonstrates poor character before being elected, it is unrealistic to assume that elected office itself will somehow transform them. Being elected into public office in spite of their bad behaviour would probably embolden them and worsen their behaviour. Do not knowingly elect the behaviour you later expect to change. Vote wisely This election is about far more than political parties. It is about your children's future, your quality of life, the dignity of your community and the kind of society we choose to build. On 4 November, think carefully. Examine the candidates. Question their records. Assess their character. And, above all, vote wisely. We cannot take tomorrow for granted. The choices we make today may determine whether our communities move forward or continue to accept the unacceptable. Respect yourself. Protect your future. Choose wisely. Follow Plainsman on TikTok @the.plain59 and Instagram @ccmonlineza