Saturday, 15 August 2026

IEC local government elections are set for 4 November 2026, with candidate nominations open; the discussion argued voters are increasingly judging municipal parties on jobs, service delivery and coalition stability rather than national loyalties.

Dr Ralph Mateja said the explosion of registered parties reflects low barriers to entry, distrust in big parties and coalition politics; he warned parties still overpromise powers local government does not have.

For metros such as Johannesburg, eThekwini and Tshwane, he predicted the ANC, DA, MK party and ActionSA will fight hardest, with bigger budgets and metro targeting likely to shape coalition outcomes.

Chartered accountant Shiren Sitole said YouTube income can replace a salary if content is built intentionally for monetisation, with ad revenue, digital products and consulting all possible once an audience is established.

Veteran actor Palisa Modisakwane said casting now depends heavily on follower counts and marketability, leaving seasoned performers sidelined and recycled casts common because producers want reliable, low-risk talent.