Cape Town – The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, has officially proclaimed 4 November 2026 as the date for South Africa’s Local Government Elections, marking the beginning of the final phase of preparations for the nationwide municipal vote.
Hlabisa made the announcement in Durban on Friday, confirming that South Africans will head to the polls to elect new municipal councils across the country.
“Today I officially announce 4 November 2026 as the date of the local government elections. We have been talking about this date, but today I am making it official that the people of South Africa must have their say and bring fresh air into the local government space,” Hlabisa said.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has already concluded voter registration activities and is continuing preparations for the elections, which will determine the composition of municipal councils nationwide.
Hlabisa urged citizens to use their vote to shape the future of local government, saying the focus should now shift from complaints to active participation in the democratic process.
“Time for complaining is over. Let us look forward with determination to put a mark through our vote, bring a new dispensation and make our local government work,” he said.
Responding to questions about the country’s readiness for the elections, Hlabisa expressed confidence in the Electoral Commission and the government’s preparations to deliver free, fair and credible polls.
He pointed to the successful conduct of the 2021 Local Government Elections, the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, and numerous municipal by-elections held since then, noting that none had faced credible challenges regarding their legitimacy.
“Almost all the by-elections that have taken place since 2021 have not been challenged as being unfair or not credible. I am confident in our preparedness,” Hlabisa said.
The minister added that he chairs a monthly Interministerial Committee on Local Government Elections, bringing together key stakeholders, including the IEC, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Home Affairs and other government departments involved in the electoral process.
With the election date now officially gazetted, Hlabisa said the committee will begin meeting every two weeks to ensure all systems are in place ahead of 4 November.
“After today, these meetings will happen fortnightly because we are systematically turning the corner towards the arrival of 4 November. We are working together to ensure South Africans have free, fair and credible elections,” he said.
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