The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Local Government Elections has expressed satisfaction with preparations for the upcoming polls in November 2026.
This comes as Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa convened a fortnightly IMC meeting to consider reports and plans being implemented ahead of the Local Government Elections scheduled for 4 November 2026.
With just four weeks remaining before the local government elections, the IMC emphasised the need for all government departments, stakeholders, role-players and communities to intensify collaboration and collective efforts to deliver on the democratic promise of free and fair elections.
At the fortnightly gathering held on Friday, the IMC noted the progress made by various government departments and sectors in preparation for the elections. The IMC noted that coordination and collaboration will be necessary to address outstanding matters, strengthen readiness and ensure that all relevant structures are prepared for election day.
“The IMC once again emphasised the importance of closing the trust gap between government and communities. This requires intensified countrywide mobilisation, public education and voter engagement to encourage all registered voters to recognise the importance of participating in the upcoming elections.
"Building and sustaining public confidence in the electoral process, government institutions and the democratic system remains critical,” said the IMC.
The committee also noted that South Africa faces challenges of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and mass shootings. These are “deeply concerning and regrettable”, with government remaining committed to ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice and that communities are protected.
The committee called on all government departments, stakeholders, role-players and communities to continue working together to support both public safety and the successful delivery of the elections.
Reports
The IMC also received several reports, including one on the Effects of El Niño on Election Operations.
The IMC noted that El Niño-related weather conditions might have both direct and indirect implications for the elections. These implications may affect voters queuing to cast their ballots as well as broader logistical and operational arrangements.
“The IMC emphasises that all relevant stakeholders should therefore remain vigilant and ensure that election preparations take account of potential weather-related risks, while maintaining the objective of enabling communities to participate in the elections as scheduled.”
A coordinated communication and preparedness approach will help government and communities anticipate and reduce the potential impacts of heat, rainfall variability, water shortages, agricultural stress, veld fires and other weather-related hazards during the election period and throughout the 2026/27 summer season. The IMC directed that government and all sectors involved should continue communicating proactively with communities should weather-related disruptions occur.
The second report was from the South African Weather Service (SAWS), as the timing of the elections coincides with El Niño and the early part of South Africa's summer rainfall season, therefore warranting weather and disaster-risk preparedness.
The SAWS provided an outlook on the Seasonal Weather Outlook and Implications for the elections. The seasonal outlook provides an early warning signal, while shorter-range weather forecasts will provide increasingly useful information about conditions in specific areas as 4 November approaches.
The report also emphasised that the exact weather conditions on the day of the elections will become clearer as the country moves closer to the polls.
“The report indicates that South Africa is entering the summer rainfall season against the background of a developing El Niño event which is associated with an increased likelihood of below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures across significant parts of southern Africa. Current assessments indicate that the 2026 summer season could therefore present heightened risks relating to water availability, heat, agriculture, food security, public health, etc.”
The key risks associated with the developing El Niño and the principal concerns identified for the coming summer include:
- below-normal seasonal rainfall in parts of the country;
- above-normal temperatures and an increased risk of heatwaves;
- pressure on water resources and municipal water systems;
- potential impacts on agricultural production and food security;
The meeting also received a report from the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) which provided an indication of preparations to mitigate the impact of El Niño.
The NDMC will translate SAWS's seasonal and short-range forecasts into practical disaster-risk actions for voting operations.
As disaster management is an intergovernmental responsibility, the NDMC continues to maintain collaboration with the Electoral Commission, government departments, municipalities, disaster-management structures, emergency services, the agricultural sector, security sector, health sector, water sector, civil-society organisations and communities and other relevant departments.
“The NDMC will assist to ensure that SAWS early warnings are converted into coordinated action before, during and after the election period, linking national risk information with provincial and municipal preparedness and community-level action.”
In addition, the Electoral Commission provided a report on the preparations ahead of the elections. The report emphasised that the Electoral Commission (IEC) is preparing for a 100% turnout on election day.
“Within this context, the IMC continues to call for all stakeholders to continue with the mobilisation of all registered voters to show up at the voting stations to cast their ballots.”
The report also reflected on the legal challenges in which the IEC is involved. The IMC noted that there are legal matters before the courts (five in the Electoral Court and two in the Constitutional Court, as well as one in the Gauteng High Court) pertaining to the elections.
All eight unresolved matters have implications for the finalisation of the ballot paper in the affected areas.
“Be that as it may, the Commission is on course with the printing of the 78 million ballot papers which will be used in the elections.
With regard to the final candidates list, at the close of the statutory nomination period at 5pm on Friday, 28 August 2026, a total of 142 072 candidates had been nominated to contest 10 526 council seats across municipalities.
The candidate categories were as follows:
636 – Independent candidates
97 815 – Ward Candidates
38 679 - PR Candidates
The nomination profile is dominated by candidates aged 36–55 years at 58%, and the highest concentration is between ages 41–45 years at 16%. In terms of gender, 38% of candidates are women. From the approved candidates list, the oldest is 90 years old and the youngest is 18 years.
The application for special votes opened on 21 September and will close on 12 October 2026 at 5pm. The purpose of the special votes is to ensure that every eligible voter can fully participate in the coming elections. Successful applicants may vote at home/place of care or in voting stations from 2–3 November 2026.
In addition, the IEC indicated that all the systems and technology that will be deployed for the election are being tested as an assurance measure. There are approximately 68000 Voter Management Devices (VMD’s) which will be used in all polling stations across the country.
“Except [for] ballot papers, as at today, all election materials required to run elections are on hand. All local storage facilities are ready and have been screened by the security structures,” said the IMC.
Meanwhile, 72 organisations have applied to become observers during elections, and the IEC has commenced briefing those approved.
Also, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) presented an updated state of readiness progress report on preparations by the security structures.
The NATJOINTS remains confident that all plans that are in place will ensure safe and secure elections, for both special voting and 4 November 2026.
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) remains actively engaged to support potential voters, as it continues with plans to ensure that citizens have the relevant documents that will enable them to exercise their right to vote.
“ In this regard, the DHA will align its operating hours with those of the IEC.”
At the end of the meeting, Minister Hlabisa emphasised that the success of the elections rests on a collective effort involving government, electoral stakeholders, communities and citizens. -SAnews.gov.za
