Democratic Alliance Unveils Khathutshelo Rasilingwane as Mayoral Candidate to Rescue Failing Ekurhuleni Services

The DA promises a service delivery "rescue" for Ekurhuleni under mayoral candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane. Read the 2026 election logistics strategy.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 21, 2026, 5:41 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Eyewitness News

Opposition Sets Sights on Reclaiming Industrial Heartland

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has formally initiated its strategic "rescue" mission for the City of Ekurhuleni, signaling an early start to the 2026 local government election cycle. By announcing Khathutshelo Rasilingwane as its mayoral candidate, the party aims to capitalize on growing resident dissatisfaction with the current state of municipal governance. The DA’s campaign is built on the premise that the industrial and residential conditions within the metro have deteriorated to an unacceptable level. This early nomination suggests a coordinated effort to present a stable alternative to the coalition-led instability that has characterized the region’s recent political history.

Fixing the Fundamentals of Urban Service Delivery

Candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane has committed to a "back to basics" approach, prioritizing the immediate repair of crumbling municipal infrastructure. Her platform emphasizes the restoration of a reliable water supply and the stabilization of an electricity grid that has been plagued by frequent interruptions. Beyond utilities, Rasilingwane highlighted the need for consistent refuse collection and a comprehensive program to repair the city's pervasive pothole problem. By focusing on these tangible touchpoints of local government, the DA is attempting to convince voters that a shift in leadership will result in immediate improvements to their daily quality of life.

Empowering Local Law Enforcement and Bylaw Authority

Safety and security form a secondary but equally vital pillar of the DA’s proposed governance model for the metro. Rasilingwane has pledged to empower local law enforcement agencies, granting them the resources necessary to protect residents and rigorously enforce municipal bylaws. The candidate argued that a lack of visible policing and the non-enforcement of regulations have contributed to a sense of lawlessness in many communities. The party intends to reposition the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department as a proactive force focused on crime prevention and the restoration of order across the city’s diverse neighborhoods.