How to vote in a way that reflects what matters most to you

It’s another election season in South Africa. If the upcoming local elections are anything like the 2024 General Elections, we're in for another multi-day, nail-biting experience.

According to the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa, the electoral turnout in South Africa has been steadily declining since 2009. In 2021, voter turnout dropped drastically from 58% in the previous 2016 local elections to 43%. Despite the fact that, historically, we have always looked at national elections as more important than local government elections, if the community WhatsApp groups and  social media streets are anything to go by, we need to brace ourselves.

According to the recent Election Observation Report by Tales of Turning, the social streets and public sentiment paint a very volatile picture. One that we have already seen on our screens are anti-illegal migration protests that seem to be gaining popularity.

We have a few politicians who are sitting in office today who got elected on the promise of rooting out corruption, but they now find themselves embroiled in corruption allegations of their own. So what if you chose to vote differently this year? What if you chose to vote based on what you value rather than voting based on who's popular?

Pastor and Heartlines Facilitator, Seth Naicker, says, “Even though many of us have become disillusioned with politics, we must never take our right to vote for granted ... There was a time in our land when many people did not have the right to vote. So when we vote, it is an act of honouring those who came before us and the struggles, sacrifices, and traumas that remain part of our collective history.”

What values matter most when choosing a political party?

Many of us might want to vote based on loyalty and the hope that this time, maybe those we elect into power will get it right. Just like Seth, whose politics have been rooted in justice. “For many years I loyally supported the political party and leaders I believed in,” he says. But after 32 years of democracy he says that “While I may still carry historical political affiliations, I believe it is important in our here and now that we begin choosing local government leaders based on who is most qualified, trustworthy, capable, and committed to delivering on the mandate of service.”

“Even if you value “loyalty and heritage,” Seth says that our present reality needs “leaders who will help build an honourable legacy and future for our children and their children.” and the only way that we can truly do that according to Seth is “ to do our homework”. Because “It is important that we vote people into power who will serve our families and communities with integrity, commitment, accountability, and excellence.”

Our Fathers Matter Whatsapp Coach Conversation designer Lehlohonolo Ramosolo says that despite the fact that  “we all want to make ‘bags of money’ to support our families and build on those legacies, it should never be at the expense of our communities. Lehlohonolo further explains that the leader he’s voting for has “ to have integrity and will remain loyal to his community while serving faithfully”.

Come 4 November 2026, we hope you mark your X wisely and before you do ask yourself this question: what values should my councillor or the party that I vote for have? And we hope that answer points you to a leader who will serve our families and communities with integrity, commitment, accountability, and excellence.