On Wednesday, 4 November 2026, millions of South Africans will once again go to the polls to vote in the municipal elections to determine who they want to represent them in local councils.
The agricultural sector is at the forefront of failed service delivery from municipalities, with poor roads, ageing infrastructure, lack of water accessibility and by-laws that continue to hamper growth.
Food For Mzansi caught up with our farmers across South Africa and asked them what kind of councillor they would like to have and what the reasons are some of them might not be voting.
What farmers need
Mmadipilo Letlape, Rustenburg, North West
Yes, I am going to vote because I believe our voices matter in shaping the future of our communities. I am looking for a councillor who is committed to improving service delivery, uplifting communities and creating opportunities for employment. They must also support local entrepreneurs and small businesses, helping them grow and contribute to economic development, especially in rural communities.
Wessels Wessels, Vrede, Free State
Yes, I am going to vote. I want a councillor who wants to serve the people. Not just to be there for the money and not just promise.
Jabu Mahlangu, KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga
I voted for the first time in 1994 and will be voting until the last day of my life on Mother Earth. I care about the future, and to ensure the future I aspire to and wish for, I thus need to influence the future I want for myself and for future generations. No single councillor can achieve the total future I require. I thus require a collective leadership that will make my life, that of my community and country better. Thus, ethical leaders, people-centred, approachable, available and accountable are the kind of leadership capability I require from the councillors to be elected.
Mamello Motaung, Thabazimbi, Limpopo
Yes, I am going to vote, and my choice is the VF Plus. I want leaders who prioritise the basics, such as access to water, proper roads, and essential services. I believe leadership should start by addressing the real needs of communities before anything else. As someone who understands the agricultural sector, I see how farmers are struggling with water shortages, extreme heat, and the loss of crops and livestock. I want leaders who listen to communities, conduct proper research, and develop practical solutions. I also want to see local farmers supported to access markets and grow their businesses.
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Kgomotso Itumeleng, Kuruman, Northern Cape
Yes, I’m going to vote. I need the incoming councillors to take into consideration the basic human needs of the community. Our villages differ in terms of dynamics and availability of water, for example. However, food insecurity, road maintenance and access to information are also becoming a problem in our rural communities. More community engagements and awareness programmes are needed, as integrated development programme meetings have limited time to get to the crux of the matters our people need to raise.
Kea Mnguni, Pretoria, Gauteng
Yes, I am going to vote, because we need a government that works for my community and surroundings, led by people who are answerable, accountable and honest to those whom they serve. In my vote, I am hoping for a municipality that keeps clean water and water that is consistently flowing, through well-maintained infrastructure and supports a steady electricity supply for our homes, farms and businesses. In rural areas, distance should never decide whether help arrives in time.
Andile Mkhize, Melmoth, KwaMagwaza Mission, KwaZulu-Natal
I will definitely vote in the upcoming local elections. I have been fortunate to have a supportive councillor in my community. As soon as he heard about El Niño, he arranged two 2 400-litre water tanks and a generator for me. His support reminded me of the difference responsive leadership can make. We need councillors who put community needs first and serve with respect, dignity and selflessness. Personally, I want our next councillor to prioritise skills development.
Egan Duminy, Belhar, Western Cape
I am definitely going to vote. I’m looking for a councillor who genuinely belongs to the ward. They must put the community’s interests ahead of their own and their party’s. Once elected, they must be accessible to everyone, regardless of political affiliation, race, status or gender. I want someone who understands local government and how it connects to other spheres of government, and who acts as a bridge-builder rather than someone who divides the community.
Eben du Plessis, Middelburg, Eastern Cape
Yes, I am definitely going to vote. I think it is important for every single farmer to vote, and everyone else. The bulk of the farmers do not get service delivery from municipalities. We are looking for councillors who will serve the interests of the farmers and address pressing issues like stray animals and biosecurity.
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