The Democratic Alliance (DA) has officially kicked off its national voter registration campaign with a rally in Eersterust, Pretoria, this Saturday, urging South Africans to register ahead of the upcoming local government elections. Party leaders and mayoral candidates addressed supporters on the critical importance of civic participation, emphasizing that local elections directly impact essential services at the community level.
Cilliers Brink, the DA’s mayoral candidate for Tshwane and former mayor of the municipality, spoke to attendees about the tangible difference registered voters can make. “The big enemy we want to defeat today is not any other political party,” Brink stated. “It is the belief that your vote doesn’t matter. Your vote makes a profound difference.” He stressed that decisions about water, electricity, waste collection, and community safety are determined by local council elections.
The rally, held in Eersterust—a community predominantly populated by Coloured residents—drew attendees seeking clarity on the DA’s local offerings. Brink acknowledged persistent challenges in the area, including crime, poorly lit streets, and drug-related issues. While local councils do not control the South African Police Service, he noted they can establish safer conditions through effective governance. The DA’s ward candidate for the area—still to be finalized—will be a community-rooted representative focused on these priorities, Brink added.
Reflecting on his previous 18-month tenure as mayor, Brink highlighted efforts to combat corruption, stabilize municipal finances, address the Hammanskraal water crisis, and reduce reliance on water tankers. He warned that since the coalition shifted, water losses in Tshwane have risen from 32% to 40%, with R777 million spent on water tankers last year alone. “The vision under current leadership appears to be delivering water via tanks, not taps,” Brink said. “There is a job to finish, and we are determined to finish it.”
The DA also used the event to promote voter registration logistics. Brink encouraged eligible citizens to register electronically via the IEC website using a smartphone photo of their ID, with confirmation sent by SMS. For those without digital access or who prefer in-person assistance, dedicated support is available nationwide. The official registration weekend is scheduled for June 20–21, when voters can visit their nearest voting district. Brink reminded residents to register where they currently live—not merely where they were previously registered—to ensure eligibility to vote on election day, November 4.
With recent electoral gains in traditionally ANC-strong areas, Brink expressed optimism about growing public trust in the DA. “People are turning to the DA as a solution in places they never considered before,” he said. The party’s core message remains clear: registration is the essential first step toward shaping the future of South Africa’s communities.
