Mpumalanga Premier Ndlovu votes, urges focus on water and services

Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu voted at the Thulamahashe Civic Centre on Wednesday, as South Africans went to the polls in the 2026 Local Government Elections, according to SAnews.

Speaking to the media after he cast his ballot, Ndlovu asked eligible voters to turn out in large numbers. He said the term of the previous council had ended, and that voters now decide who sits in the new one. “The power is in our hands,” he said.

Water in the spotlight

The Premier said the provincial government wants municipalities that are able to deliver the services residents depend on. He singled out water, saying it would receive special attention in Mbombela.

Ndlovu pointed to two projects aimed at securing supply. The first is a new dam for the City of Mbombela, for which feasibility studies have been analysed. The second is the Loskop Bulk Water Supply Project in the Nkangala District, which is expected to improve water provision for communities in the Thembisile Hani and Dr JS Moroka municipalities.

He also shared figures on basic services in the province:

• 12% of households have no piped water.
• 5% of people have no electricity.
• Sanitation access stands at 80%.

Ndlovu urged residents to work together with government on problems in their communities. He said voting carries a further duty: people should keep talking to their councillors about local concerns once the new council is in place.

Election day details

SAnews reported that the Electoral Commission (IEC) has recorded 29.2 million registered voters, a record, with 23 696 voting stations across the country. Voting stations opened at 7 am and close at 9 pm.

Anyone who is already within the boundaries of a voting station when it closes will still be attended to. President Cyril Ramaphosa made Wednesday a public holiday so that people have time to vote.

Councillors elected in this process will be responsible for improving communities and delivering services. They also pass bylaws and oversee how those rules are put into practice. According to the report, they are well placed to understand what their communities need.

What this means for you

• If you are registered and have not yet voted, you have until 9 pm to do so at your voting station.
• Be inside the station’s boundaries by closing time, and you will still be helped.
• After the election, your ward councillor is the person to approach about water, sanitation and other local services.

This story is based on reporting by SAnews.