MIDRAND, GAUTENG — The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has launched an extensive voter registration drive in Midrand and surrounding regions, mobilizing citizens ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections scheduled for November 4. ATM Parliamentary Leader Vuyo Zungula spearheaded the initiative across the City of Johannesburg and the City of Ekurhuleni, urging all eligible South Africans to secure their place on the voters’ roll.
The broader political landscape has seen major parties deploying their leadership and youth structures for the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Voter Registration Weekend. This includes door-to-door campaigns by ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa in KwaZulu-Natal and mobilization efforts by the EFF leader in various municipalities to boost turnout.
IEC Criticized Over Voter Education
Speaking to the press in Midrand on the second day of the registration weekend, Zungula highlighted the ATM’s grassroots efforts to register both firm supporters and undecided voters. He stressed that registration is a mandatory prerequisite for voting, encouraging citizens to register even if they have not yet made their electoral choices.
However, the ATM leader leveled sharp criticism at the IEC, citing a noticeable lack of voter education. Zungula questioned whether the shortfall was intentional or due to resource constraints, emphasizing that the electoral commission bears the primary duty of informing the public about the registration process. He confirmed that the ATM will continue its vigorous mobilization through online registration methods even after physical voting stations close.
Defending Local Governance Track Record
Addressing questions about the party’s capacity to run municipalities, Zungula pointed to the ATM’s proven impact in local coalitions. He highlighted the party’s national footprint, noting that despite holding only two parliamentary seats, the ATM has consistently “punched above its weight.”
In the City of Johannesburg, Zungula referenced the tenure of former MMC Muenjo, crediting him with instrumental community development programs. He specifically pointed to the construction of libraries and other social programs in areas such as Diepsloot, Alexandra, and Soweto, arguing that this tangible impact demonstrates the political will required to drive service delivery and combat embedded criminal syndicates in local government.
National Critique and the Push for Accountability
The conversation soon shifted to national governance, with Zungula offering a stark critique of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration. He cited deteriorating socio-economic indicators under Ramaphosa’s tenure, pointing out that unemployment has surged from 26% to over 35%, and the daily murder rate has climbed from 48 to 72.
Zungula also condemned the current administration’s handling of ongoing protests against illegal immigration. Furthermore, he criticized the temporary municipal improvements made in Johannesburg ahead of the G20 summit, claiming the city quickly collapsed back into crisis once the international leaders departed and the spotlight faded.
The Impeachment Debate and Political Stability
When pressed on whether the ATM’s push to impeach the President would mirror the instability seen in local coalitions—often characterized by frequent mayoral changes—Zungula firmly rejected the premise.
“Accountability is not instability,” Zungula asserted. He argued that allowing a president who has violated the law to remain in office without consequence represents the highest form of recklessness and true instability. He maintained that enforcing accountability at the highest levels sets a necessary precedent for mayors, premiers, and councilors across the country.
However, the necessity of presenting a viable alternative when removing a leader was noted as a critical political hurdle. Recent political precedents highlight this challenge; for instance, a Democratic Alliance motion of no confidence against Premier Panyaza Lesufi recently failed because opposing parties coalesced to protect the incumbent in the absence of a clear alternative government. As the ATM pushes for accountability at the national level, the viability of their strategy will likely face similar scrutiny regarding their proposed alternative for the country.
