BETHLEHEM, Free State — As the 2026 Local Government Elections approach, a new wave of youth candidates is stepping forward to address critical socioeconomic challenges in the Dihlabeng Local Municipality. Leading this charge is 28-year-old Lekgutsa Mbele, who has entered the political arena to drive meaningful change and ensure young people have a seat at the decision-making table amidst the country’s high unemployment rates and lack of youth representation in key institutions.
Passionate about the arts, entertainment, and community development, Lekgutsa Mbele decided to contest Ward 1 after being approached by multiple political parties. He ultimately joined the African Movement Congress (AMC), viewing it as the optimal platform to advocate for his community. A core pillar of his campaign is transforming the local creative sector, which he notes has been severely neglected. “I want to change people’s lives, especially in the creative sector, because you can see it is not supported,” Mbele stated, emphasizing the urgent need for government backing for local artists.
While his initial drive was rooted in the arts, Mbele acknowledges that a ward councillor’s responsibilities extend far beyond a single industry. Navigating the daily challenges of community engagement, he recognizes the need to represent the broader interests of the entire ward. If elected, his manifesto includes comprehensive plans to create local jobs, implement proper housing solutions, and repair deteriorating roads.
These campaign promises resonate deeply with residents who have highlighted severe service delivery failures during door-to-door engagements. Community members expressed frustration over chronic unemployment, noting that they are often recruited for temporary work without pay and have spent years submitting CVs with no success. “There are no opportunities… we’ve been staying here at home doing nothing,” one resident shared, capturing the desperation of local youth who feel entirely locked out of the economy.
Beyond unemployment, basic infrastructure and health hazards remain pressing concerns. Residents pointed out that street lighting is highly inadequate, with lights installed on only one side of the street. More alarmingly, the prevalence of asbestos roofs poses a significant health risk. One community member recounted being hospitalized for asthma in 2022 directly due to asbestos exposure, underscoring the urgent need for safe, compliant housing upgrades.
As the November local government elections draw near, the community remains hopeful that this cycle will yield different, more effective results than previous elections, driven by a new generation of leaders like Lekgutsa Mbele who are ready to tackle these entrenched challenges head-on.
