By Charmaine Ndlela
eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba has called for voter turnout in the 2026 Local Government Elections to surpass 58%, urging residents to exercise their democratic right and not leave the responsibility of choosing their government to others.
Xaba made the call after casting his ballot at Cowies Hill Community Hall in Ward 18 on Wednesday, saying higher voter participation would give elected governments a stronger mandate to govern and represent residents.
“We want the turnout, this time around, to really surpass the 58% mark,” he said.
Xaba expressed concern about voter apathy, particularly following the 2021 Local Government Elections, when turnout dropped to approximately 45%, compared with about 58% in 2016.
He acknowledged that the 2021 elections took place against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic and the July unrest, which may have contributed to the decline in participation. However, he said there was no reason for voters to stay away from the polls this time.
“We fought for this right, a right to vote, and therefore we encourage all of our people to come and exercise this democratic right. That’s the only way they can be heard, and it’s through them deciding who they select as the government of the day, and to lead progress and better their own lives,” Xaba said.
He warned residents against assuming that their individual votes would make little difference, stressing that participation was essential to determining the country’s political leadership and direction.
“So many people think this is something they can leave to other people. No, it’s not about that,” he said.
Xaba argued that low voter turnout could leave elected administrations without the support of the majority of eligible voters.
“Remember, if the poll is below 50%, it means that whoever is governing in that city, it remains the minority when it compares to the entire voting population,” he said.
He said he wanted residents to participate in large numbers to ensure that whoever emerged as the governing authority had a strong mandate.
“We want your voice to give a solid backing so that whoever is governing, governs knowing that he has a full backing of the citizens or the residents of the town,” he said.
Reflecting on his tenure as eThekwini mayor, Xaba also expressed pride in the political and administrative stability established during his time in office.
He said the stability had helped create an environment conducive to attracting major investments, supporting tourism growth and creating much-needed jobs.
Xaba reiterated his appeal to eligible voters in eThekwini and across the country to exercise their democratic right.
“Your vote is your voice. Use it so that it can be heard. Let us continue building a better eThekwini together,” he said.
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