Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Setswana by Sello Seitlholo
The Democratic Alliance (DA) strongly condemns the African National Congress’ (ANC) reckless call for residents of Ba-Ga Maidi not to vote in the upcoming local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026.
The right to vote is one of the most important pillars of South Africa’s democracy, earned through decades of struggle and sacrifice. For a governing party to actively discourage citizens from exercising this democratic right is irresponsible, cynical, and deeply revealing.
The ANC’s call is not an act of protest but an admission of failure.
Ba-Ga Maidi falls within the Greater Taung Local Municipality, an area governed by the ANC for years under successive ANC mayors and speakers. The same party that has overseen the collapse of roads, infrastructure, and basic services is now attempting to shift attention away from its own governance failures by discouraging democratic participation.
A clear example of this failure is the D206 road between Matsheng and Molelema. Construction on this 10-kilometre stretch began in 2019, yet years later, despite hundreds of millions of rand reportedly being spent the road remains incomplete (see photos here and here). Communities continue to suffer while projects stall and accountability remain absent.
The DA has consistently fought for answers and accountability on behalf of residents. On 1 December 2021, the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure deliberated on a DA petition calling for an investigation into delays surrounding the D206 road project. Despite this, decisive action against poor contractor performance failed to materialise.
The DA believes that when government fails, the answer is not to abandon democracy, but to use it to bring about change. Communities should never be encouraged to surrender their voice because a governing party has failed to deliver.
Instead of fixing roads and restoring services, the ANC is now effectively telling residents to stay home and remain silent.
The DA calls on all residents of Ba-Ga Maidi and the broader Greater Taung area to register to vote on 20 and 21 June 2026 and to participate fully in the local government elections on 4 November 2026.
Residents should not reward failure with silence. They should hold it accountable through the ballot box.
The DA stands ready to offer accountable governance, service delivery, and leadership that puts communities first.