Election countdown begins: Local government vote set for November 2026

Ramaphosa

Boksburg – President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that South Africa’s local government elections will be held on 4 November 2026.

The announcement was made in Boksburg, with the date still to be formally gazetted by Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa.

Municipal councils’ terms expire on 2 November, and legislation requires elections to be held within 90 days thereafter.

Ramaphosa said he selected a Wednesday, in keeping with tradition.

“As 2026 is the year in which the local government elections are held, they should be held on a Wednesday, which is the middle of the week, on a date that I now determine as 4 November 2026,” he said.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has welcomed the announcement, saying it provides certainty for planning and preparations to ensure free and fair municipal elections.

Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said the confirmed date would assist the commission in its readiness efforts.

The IEC has urged eligible South Africans to register to vote or update their details if they have relocated, noting that voters may only cast ballots at the station where they are registered.

It also clarified that the announcement is not yet the formal legal proclamation, which must still be made by the minister, after which the voters’ roll will close.

Citizens can register online or during the national voter registration weekend scheduled for 20 and 21 June 2026.

The upcoming elections are expected to be highly contested, with more political parties registered to participate.

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