BARBERTON, Mpumalanga — As the 2026 Local Government Elections enter their final stretch, the Barberton Community Party (BTCP) is making its debut campaign push in the Mbombela Municipality. The newly formed political group is focusing its message on delivering basic services and stimulating job creation for residents who feel marginalized, marking a fresh dynamic in the region’s political landscape.
The city of Mbombela is one of the largest municipalities in the province, comprising over forty-five wards. The Barberton Community Party is among the new political entities contesting the area for the first time, aiming to unseat established leadership by addressing deep-rooted civic challenges.
Ayanda Magagula, president of the Barberton Community Party, outlined the organization’s core priorities if voted into power. Magagula emphasized a strict focus on resolving water shortages, tackling unemployment, and supporting local businesses. A central pillar of their platform involves cleaning out dishonorable officials and replacing them with dedicated individuals committed to justice and service delivery.
Furthermore, the party intends to attract indirect foreign investment by leveraging the province’s booming sectors, specifically mining, agriculture, forestry, and tourism. However, Magagula noted that high crime rates and murders currently deter tourists from enjoying the region. He argued that fixing the safety environment is essential to creating a conducive atmosphere for societal development and economic growth.
For the residents of Barberton, the challenges are immediate and severe. Locals report feeling forgotten by leadership for years, citing critical shortages in water and electricity. Housing remains a pressing crisis, with many people still living in shacks and squatter camps despite past political promises to provide proper housing and pave roads. Residents also highlighted the urgent need to eradicate crime and deliver on long-delayed infrastructure improvements.
In a move that diverges from traditional political campaigning, the Barberton Community Party chose to distribute stationery to local children instead of branded political t-shirts.
Magagula explained that the decision was driven by a commitment to education over political branding. Noting that many party members are graduates themselves, he pointed out that students preparing for upcoming exams urgently need pens, pencils, and calculators. Handing out t-shirts, he argued, would not assist the youth in their academic endeavors, whereas providing educational tools directly supports the community’s future.
As the elections approach, the residents of Barberton remain hopeful that their votes will finally translate into the tangible, real change they have been waiting for.
