JOHANNESBURG - Local government elections give South Africans the opportunity to choose leaders responsible for delivering essential services in their communities.
With major political parties contesting the country’s biggest metros and no clear indication of outright winners, every vote could play a role in shaping the next councils.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged all eligible voters to exercise their democratic right and participate in the elections.
"South Africans will once again exercise their democratic right to vote in the local government elections.
"Local government is where many of the aspirations of our democracy must find practical expression. It is where people experience the parity of public services," he said.
"It is where the conditions for economic development are created and it is where the relationship between the citizens and government is most immediate.
"I therefore encourage every eligible voter to participate in these elections. And it is not for me to say who you should vote for."