As the 14-day deadline approaches for South Africa's 258 municipalities to constitute their new councils, the agricultural sector is watching closely.
The outcome of the local government elections has created 127 hung councils, meaning political parties must negotiate coalition agreements to establish governing administrations.
However, the bigger question is whether these new political arrangements will deliver the changes South Africans desperately need.
Voters have clearly started changing their minds about the country's governance. Years of corruption, financial mismanagement, deteriorating infrastructure and extremely poor service delivery have left many communities frustrated and disappointed with the existing political leadership. People want functioning municipalities, clean water, reliable electricity, maintained roads and responsible management of public money.
Whatever promises political parties made during their election campaigns, voters now expect them to deliver. Promises must become action, not another political exercise that disappears once elections are over.
One of the growing concerns is the influence of smaller political parties in hung councils. In some municipalities, parties that received considerably fewer votes are now in a position to determine who governs, while larger parties that received the most votes may be expected to surrender leadership positions to secure coalitions.
Coalition government can work, but it must serve the interests of residents rather than the ambitions of political leaders. It is particularly concerning when smaller parties and their leaders are unwilling to work with leaders of larger parties, despite the latter receiving stronger voter support.
There is also a legitimate public concern that political positions and access to municipal resources could become more important than serving communities. South Africa cannot afford to replace one form of poor governance with another. Coalition agreements must be based on competence, transparency and accountability, not opportunities for political influence or corruption.
For agriculture, the consequences of failed local government are particularly serious.
Farmer organisations say their members have become increasingly disillusioned with municipalities. In some areas, farmers have almost stopped engaging with local government because they see little improvement in service delivery.
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Agriculture is a major economic driver in many rural municipalities, yet municipal development plans often fail to recognise its contribution to economic growth, employment and food security. Local economic development units should actively involve commercial and smallholder farmers when planning economic development strategies.
Road infrastructure is one of the biggest concerns. Farmers depend on accessible and properly maintained roads to transport agricultural products to markets, processing facilities and distribution centres. Poor roads increase transport costs, damage vehicles and create delays that can affect the quality of agricultural produce.
Water supply is equally important. Without reliable water infrastructure, agricultural production becomes difficult, particularly in rural communities where farming supports local employment and businesses.
The breakdown of water and sanitation infrastructure, unreliable electricity and neglected municipal roads are increasing production costs and placing additional pressure on farmers. Municipalities must therefore prioritise infrastructure maintenance and ensure that annual operating and maintenance budgets are protected.
Financial mismanagement and years of adverse audit findings have weakened many municipalities. Proper financial controls, transparent procurement and responsible budget management must become priorities for every new council.
There are practical solutions. Municipalities should work more closely with organised agriculture, business organisations and community structures. Farmers understand the challenges on the ground and can contribute valuable knowledge when infrastructure and economic development plans are prepared.
There is also a strong argument for bringing decision-making closer to communities so that residents know their councillors and can hold them directly accountable.
South Africa needs a change in political culture. Local government is not about political positions, coalition negotiations or who controls a municipal office. It is about delivering essential services to the people who pay taxes and depend on these services to live and work.
The new municipal councils have an opportunity to restore confidence in local government. But that will only happen if political leaders put communities before party interests.
Farmers need roads, water and electricity. Businesses need functioning municipalities. Communities need jobs and economic opportunities.
Most importantly, voters need leaders who understand that receiving a political mandate is a responsibility, not a personal opportunity.
South Africa cannot afford another five years of political promises without meaningful delivery.
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