Voter turnout in local government elections has hit an all-time low of 46% in South Africa. Analysts say residents are rejecting a system failing to deliver basic services like water and electricity. Researcher Lesego Mahlangu says weak community structures and reliance on social media stunts by politicians are to be blamed for the decline. She warns trust in local democracy will erode without stronger participatory mechanisms this as Municipal elections are due later this year. Elvis Presslin spoke to Lesego Mahlangu, Researcher in the City of Tshwane writing in her personal capacity