People Build Democracy

People Build Democracy everyday: our choices, our priorities, our action.
Siyavumelana ne? Asivumelane!

[People Build Democracy @SAPeopleBuild]

Meet the Isivumelwano, the people’s agreement.

34,994 people, 176 community manifestos and all nine provinces, street by street. In 1994 we saw change. Tomorrow, we meet at the ballot box again.

We’re building it together.

#Isivumelwano #PeopleBuildDemocracy

[People Build Democracy @SAPeopleBuild]

84% of observed voting stations opened on time this morning, with materials in place at 98%. Swipe for the 08:20 observer snapshot across all 9 provinces. Still in the queue? Stay in it, you can still vote. 🗳️

#Isivumelwano #LGE2026

[People Build Democracy @SAPeopleBuild]

Water came up more than anything else.

Here’s what communities across the country raised most, and the 80 priority actions that came out of it. Take it with you to the polls tomorrow.

Siyavumelana ne? Tell us what you’d add in the comments.

#Isivumelwano #PeopleBuildDemocracy

[People Build Democracy @SAPeopleBuild]

10 demands, from communities to every councillor and party they elect.

From reliable water to inclusion and dignity, this is what the Isivumelwano asks for. Keep it in mind at the polls tomorrow.

Which demand matters most to you? Tell us in the comments.

#Isivumelwano

[People Build Democracy @SAPeopleBuild]

No one left behind.

The Isivumelwano was built with communities from the margins to the middle, and it holds candidates, parties and voters to account.

Take it with you to the polls tomorrow.

#Isivumelwano

[People Build Democracy @SAPeopleBuild]

Heading to the polls on 4 November? Here’s what to expect.

You’ll get two ballots: one for your ward councillor and one for the party you want in control of your municipality. Know the difference, do your research, and vote your values.

[People Build Democracy @SAPeopleBuild]

“Action starts in the engagements.”

At the People Build Democracy launch, we asked parties what they’re committing to. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) committed to more engagement and more inclusive dialogue.

#Isivumelwano #PeopleBuildDemocracy

[People Build Democracy @SAPeopleBuild]

A commitment on record.

At the People Build Democracy launch, political parties committed to meeting with us once a month. It’s one of the ways we’ll keep holding them accountable, all the way to 2029.

The Isivumelwano doesn’t end at the launch.

#Isivumelwano

[People Build Democracy @SAPeopleBuild]

Looking back on day 2 of the People Build Democracy launch.

On Friday, the people put their priorities on the table, political representatives responded, and the hard questions were asked out loud.

#Isivumelwano #PeopleBuildDemocracy

[People Build Democracy @SAPeopleBuild]

That’s a wrap on the People Build Democracy launch.

Over two days, people from every corner of the country shared their priorities, asked hard questions and put their demands on the table. Here are some of the moments that made it.

#Isivumelwano #PeopleBuildDemocracy

[People Build Democracy @SAPeopleBuild]

Let’s talk food insecurity

Busiso Moyo of the Union Against Hunger challenged political representatives to show their humanity. He says two-thirds of South Africans are food insecure, and he’s asking what role businesses should play.

Siyavumelana ne?

#Isivumelwano

[People Build Democracy @SAPeopleBuild]

Isivumelwano isn’t a ceremonial document. It’s an invitation.

Over two days, communities from across the country put their priorities on the table. Now we’re asking political parties to receive it as the start of a continuing relationship of responsibility and accountability.

S

[People Build Democracy @SAPeopleBuild]

Highlights from day 1 and 2 of the People Build Democracy launch, where communities, organisations, young people, faith leaders and political representatives came together from across the country.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke up and listened.

[People Build Democracy @SAPeopleBuild]

What’s your Isivumelwano with us? 🗳️

Noxolo Mfotwa from My Vote Counts asked the panel a question that’s still waiting for an answer. After the elections, parties have 14 days to make coalition agreements on our behalf. Will those agreements be published before the vote and afte

[People Build Democracy @SAPeopleBuild]

Day 2 continues.

Every voice in this room is helping to shape the Isivumelwano, one conversation at a time.

Siyavumelana ne? Tell us in the comments. 👇

#Isivumelwano #PeopleBuildDemocracy

[People Build Democracy @SAPeopleBuild]

Her one demand: open budgets. 📊

Zukiswa Kota of the Imali Yethu Coalition for Open Budgets wants fiscal transparency and accountable management of public money, especially in local government. She’s calling on everyone stepping up for political leadership to make it a principle

[People Build Democracy @SAPeopleBuild]

Maureen Nyaga, founder and director of Ntombi Zimele Empowering Women in Mpumalanga, says skills development isn’t enough on its own. Women need real opportunities, resources and platforms to thrive, so they can go back and build their communities.

Faka imali, uzobona.

Siyavume

[People Build Democracy @SAPeopleBuild]

“What has become of the promises made?” 🗣️

On day 2 of People Build Democracy, Rev. Heidi Petersen of the UCCSA asked the question on many minds: what happened to the promise of a full life for all? A life where no one struggles for water, no child uses a pit latrine, and no one

[People Build Democracy @SAPeopleBuild]

One demand from day 2 of People Build Democracy: cut plastic. 🌍

Mxolisi Phiri from Orlando East, Soweto, represents the Innovating Kasi Organisation and the Seth Mazibuko Foundation. He says plastic is damaging our land.

Siyavumelana ne?

#Isivumelwano #PeopleBuildDemocracy

[People Build Democracy @SAPeopleBuild]

People Build Democracy Day 2!