LOCAL ELECTIONS PARTICIPATION 2026
South Africans are once again presented with a choice—between crumbling service delivery, spiraling municipal rates, and broken promises, or a bold, principled vision of local governance rooted in lower taxes, efficient service, and clean administration. In 2026, the Free Democrats of South Africa are proud to announce their candidacy for the upcoming local government elections in both the City of Cape Town and Potchefstroom. This marks a crucial expansion in our movement to bring practical solutions and disciplined governance to municipalities across the country.
LOCAL ELECTIONS 2026
Cape Town’s Crisis – and Free Democrat Solutions
Cape Town is facing serious social and economic challenges. Deep inequality, high unemployment, and unaffordable living conditions have left many families struggling—and in some cases, losing their homes. Entire communities remain stuck in poverty, while gangsterism and crime grow in areas where opportunity is scarce and policing is weak.
The Key Problems:
- Inequality & Exclusion: Many areas, like the Cape Flats, remain underserved with poor access to jobs, education, and safety.
- Unemployment: High joblessness, especially among the youth, is driving poverty, frustration, and instability.
- Unaffordability: Property rates and utility costs have skyrocketed. Many families have lost their homes, unable to keep up with bills or sell due to inflated municipal valuations.
- Crime & Gangsterism: Gang violence thrives in areas where state policing is ineffective and communities feel abandoned.
Free Democrat Solutions:
- Cut Taxes, Create Jobs: Reduce company tax to 15% and scrap restrictive labour laws to attract investment and unlock job opportunities.
- Make Housing Affordable: Cut property rates, privatize service delivery, and allow full tax deductions on utility bills, home maintenance, and domestic worker wages.
- Protect Homeowners: Force municipalities to buy properties at their own inflated valuations if residents can’t sell—ending the current rip-off.
- Fix Policing: Devolve SAPS to provincial control for more effective, locally accountable crime-fighting.
- Promote Ownership: Boost home and equity ownership to build a stable, empowered middle class.
Our Vision:
A Cape Town where families can afford to live, work, and feel safe. Less government. Lower taxes. More jobs. Safer communities. More homeowners.
Vote Free Democrats of South Africa – for a fairer, freer Cape Town.
Potchefstroom in Crisis: Problems & Free Dems Solutions
Water & Sewage:
- Frequent outages and spillage due to neglect.
- Solution: Privatize services, upgrade infrastructure, and ensure reliable supply.
Crumbling Infrastructure:
- Potholes, decaying schools, and blocked roads.
- Solution: Use private contractors and community-based projects to rebuild.
Financial Mismanagement:
- Budget deficits and corruption stall progress.
- Solution: Clean audits, lower municipal taxes, and qualified staff appointments.
Unemployment & Poverty:
- Jobs are scarce; poverty is rising.
- Solution: Cut red tape, reduce local taxes, and attract private investment.
Neglected Communities:
- Disabled NGOs and residents ignored.
- Solution: Partner with civil society and support local care initiatives.
Vote Free Democrats. Fix Potchefstroom.
Lower taxes. Clean governance. Real service delivery.