Democratic Alliance North West Campaign Promises Improved Service Delivery Ahead of Local Elections

NORTH WEST PROVINCE — The Democratic Alliance North West campaign is gaining significant momentum as the party promises to overhaul service delivery ahead of the local government elections on November 4. With less than 30 days remaining until voters head to the ballots, the opposition party is capitalizing on widespread public dissatisfaction with municipal functionality, pledging to restore basic services to communities across the region.

The political landscape in the province remains highly competitive following the May 2024 provincial elections. The North West Legislature currently holds 38 seats, with the African National Congress (ANC) leading with 23 seats. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) hold seven seats, the DA has five, while the Freedom Front Plus (FF+) and the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party hold one seat each. As all parties crisscross the province, addressing thorny issues like roads, housing, water, and municipal functionality has become the central focus of the campaign trail.

A Focus on Core Municipal Functions

CJ Steyl, a DA Member of the Provincial Legislature, emphasized that the party is fully prepared for the upcoming polls. Speaking on the campaign trail, Steyl noted that the DA is “more than 100% ready” and has been inundated with calls from residents eager to sign up for membership, reflecting growing confidence in the party’s ability to effect change.

The party’s campaign is heavily focused on restoring the four primary functions of a municipality: reliable water supply, electricity, road maintenance, and weekly refuse collection. Steyl highlighted the DA’s successful governance model in municipalities such as Midvaal and Kouga, as well as various regions in the Western and Eastern Cape, where residents reportedly enjoy reliable basic services and prompt infrastructure repairs.

Locally, the DA is highlighting its successes in the Ditsabotla municipality. Steyl pointed to Ward 15, noting that the clean and well-maintained streets are a direct result of the leadership of returning DA Councillor Quebe. The party aims to retain this ward with an even greater majority on November 4, using it as a blueprint for what DA-led councils can achieve across the province.

Strategic Opposition and Governance Plans

While campaigning for executive control, the DA is also reflecting on its strategy as an opposition party. Addressing the party’s approach in various district municipalities—including Dr Ruth and Dr Kenneth Kaunda—Steyl explained that the DA has not been silent on the opposition benches.

Instead, the party has actively fought ANC-led councils to improve service delivery through the North West Provincial Legislature and by utilizing their representation in the national Government of National Unity (GNU). Steyl outlined the party’s intervention strategy: when residents report service delivery failures, DA counselors respond, petition the municipality, and escalate issues to the provincial government or cabinet if necessary.

However, he stressed that true, systemic resolution requires executive authority.

“You can’t fix all the service delivery issues from the opposition benches,” Steyl stated. “You need to be in government. You need to control the budget. You need to make sure that you appoint qualified, competent, and skilled officials.” He contrasted this merit-based approach with the ruling party’s policy of cadre deployment, arguing that skilled administration is the true differentiator in service delivery.

The Road to November 4

As the 28-day countdown to the local government elections continues, opposition parties are heavily leveraging the ruling party’s historical shortcomings in local government operations. Both the DA and the EFF have been highly visible on the campaign trail, promising voters that they possess the viable alternatives needed to fix the province’s service delivery crisis.

With overwhelming support reported on the ground, the DA remains confident that it will not only grow its legislative footprint but also successfully govern several municipalities in the North West once the votes are counted post-November 4.