Ahead of the 2026 local elections, we asked political parties how they would ease the cost of living in South Africa, from electricity tariffs and municipal rates to water bills and getting to work.

In episode two of our Elections Showdown mini series, we ask six party representatives the same questions about rising utility costs, free basic services and public transport. What would the parties do differently, and what can municipalities actually do to put money back in people’s pockets? You get to compare their answers.