Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has called on all South Africans to protect democracy and contribute to peaceful, free, fair and incident-free Local Government Elections (LGE) on 4 November 2026.
The Minister made the call in his capacity as Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Local Government Elections.
The IMC on Local Government Elections reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting the Electoral Commission (IEC) in ensuring the smooth administration of the elections, while respecting the Commission's independence.
The committee brings together key government departments and institutions, including Home Affairs, Justice and Constitutional Development, Finance, Defence and Military Veterans, Police, the Presidency responsible for State Security, Communications and Digital Technologies, the IEC, the Municipal Demarcation Board and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).
According to the IMC, the IEC received 142 072 candidate nominations for 10 526 council seats following the closure of nominations on 28 August 2026. These include ward, proportional representation and independent candidates, representing higher participation than in the 2021 Local Government Elections.
The voters' roll has also surpassed 29 million, following almost 4.7 million interactions with voters during registration weekends held in June and August.
More than 750 000 new voters were added to the roll, with people under the age of 29 accounting for 46% of new registrations during the final registration weekend.
IEC readiness
The IMC has reaffirmed its confidence in the IEC and emphasised that government's role is to facilitate coordination, support logistical arrangements within its mandate and contribute to a safe electoral environment.
It stressed that the Commission remains solely responsible for administering the elections independently, in accordance with the Constitution and applicable electoral legislation.
The IEC has declared its Results System fit for purpose following independent testing and auditing, with all identified findings addressed.
The Commission has also launched its National Results Operations Centre (ROC) at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. The centre will coordinate the capture and release of results from 23 696 voting stations nationwide and provide oversight opportunities for political parties, independent candidates and the media.
Eligible voters who qualify for special voting have been encouraged to make use of the opportunity on 2 and 3 November.
Voter participation
The Minister called on eligible South Africans, particularly young people, to exercise their constitutional right to vote and participate in shaping the future of their municipalities.
“Voting gives communities the opportunity to influence municipal leadership, shape local priorities and hold elected representatives accountable for service delivery.”
The IMC has urged registered voters to encourage family members, friends, neighbours and fellow community members to participate, warning against allowing apathy or frustration to undermine democratic participation.
“Your vote matters. Your voice matters. Your participation matters. Let us stand together to protect and defend our hard-won democracy, strengthen local government and build communities that respond to the needs and aspirations of our people,” Minister Hlabisa said.
Security and weather preparedness
Government has prioritised election security, including monitoring cybersecurity threats, interference with electoral systems, misinformation and disinformation, electoral fraud and incidents that could disrupt voting or undermine public confidence.
A Priority Committee within the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) brings together relevant security and law enforcement structures to monitor risks and coordinate responses.
Political parties, candidates and their supporters have been urged to reject violence and intimidation, respect differing political views and report incidents through the appropriate channels.
Members of the public have also been encouraged to verify election-related information through the IEC, relevant government departments and other credible sources before sharing it, particularly on social media platforms.
Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has indicated that current forecasts do not point to significant adverse weather conditions on election day, although continued monitoring and preparedness remain necessary.
READ | SAWS releases weather outlook for elections
As the elections coincide with the early part of the summer rainfall season and the El Niño phenomenon, communities have been urged to stay hydrated, take precautions against heat exposure, practise water conservation and follow official weather advisories.
Home Affairs extends operating hours
Additionally, the Department of Home Affairs will extend operating hours at its front offices to assist citizens with collecting or applying for identity documents and obtaining Temporary Identity Certificates (TICs), where applicable.
From 2 to 3 November, offices will operate from 8am to 6pm, while on Election Day, 4 November, offices will open from 7am to 9pm, in line with the IEC's operational hours.
Citizens who have applied for identity documents have been urged to collect them in time to vote.
Hlabisa has reiterated that credible elections require the collective efforts of government, the IEC, political parties, independent candidates, law enforcement agencies and communities.
“The power is yours to make the difference you wish to see. Let us protect our democracy, participate peacefully and ensure that these elections are free, fair and incidentless (sic),” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
