In the run-up to local government elections in South Africa on 4 November 2026, candidates will be canvassing for your votes. This is a great opportunity for communities to set the terms of its relationship with its councillor, rather than wait to be told what those terms will be. A community manifesto can help us do that. Together with My Vote Counts and others working for greater accountability, we have developed a template for what a community manifesto could look like, and a simple guide on how to use it. You can adapt it to your reality. And if you do the work, please share stories of how it’s going in your community. Your story could inspire others to hold their politicians to account.
