JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — As South Africa approaches the November 2026 Local Government Elections (LGE 2026), a deadly rivalry for governance and control of municipal resources is driving a surge in political killings, according to Corruption Watch Executive Director Lebogang Ramafoko. The urgent warning follows the tragic assassinations of two opposing political representatives less than an hour apart during the country’s final voter registration weekend, reigniting severe concerns over political violence at the local government level.
The violence erupted on the first day of the voter registration drive, overshadowing the democratic process. Two politicians from opposing parties—identified as ANC councillor Sicelo Mleve and DA ward candidate Sinovuyo Dyokwe—were killed within 50 minutes of each other. The brutal timing has prompted analysts to re-examine the deadly stakes of contesting for power, influence, and access to municipal resources.
A Shift from Ideology to Resource Control
Addressing the state of the nation’s democracy, Ramafoko expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families. While he acknowledged that the murders do not necessarily mean South Africa’s democracy is under imminent threat, he stressed that they signal highly worrying trends. The current political landscape has shifted away from contestation based on ideas, ideology, and community engagement.
Instead, the violence reveals a ruthless pursuit of control. Ramafoko explained that the killings are rarely about political ideology; if it were, robust debates would allow communities to decide based on arguments. “When people kill each other, it is about silencing,” he noted, explaining that the violence is designed to spread fear, exert power, and maintain proximity to lucrative municipal assets.
The High Stakes of Local Government
Local government remains a particularly dangerous arena because it is the primary level where tenders are awarded and where politicians gain direct control over resources. Ramafoko explained that local positions are frequently viewed as critical stepping stones to provincial and national leadership. Consequently, belonging to a political party and standing for local office is often seen not just as a way to serve the public, but as a strategic move to advance one’s career and secure access to key assets.
Internal Party Infighting and Ethical Leadership
The Executive Director also highlighted that internal party dynamics could be a contributing factor to the bloodshed. He noted that infighting within political parties cannot be ruled out, as members battle for influence and perceive rivals within their own ranks as threats. This internal friction underscores a broader failure in ethical leadership, prompting Ramafoko to question what political parties are doing internally to foster tolerance and ethical conduct among their members.
Timing, Polarization, and a Call to Action
The timing of the murders—occurring during a weekend specifically meant to encourage democratic participation and voter registration—amplifies their impact. Ramafoko described the assassinations as a calculated message not just to the victims, but to their communities and supporters, warning that their lives are in danger if they oppose those orchestrating the violence.
Furthermore, this deadly trend is unfolding amidst growing societal polarization in South Africa, particularly surrounding contentious issues like migration. Ramafoko warned that these underlying tensions cannot be ignored and threaten to make the upcoming electoral contestation highly toxic.
In light of these compounding pressures, Ramafoko issued a strong call to action for the state’s security cluster. He emphasized that both intelligence and police services must be fully up to the task of addressing this worrying trend, ensuring that the deadly tactic of silencing opponents does not derail the upcoming local government elections.