South Africa

The National Press Club has called for an urgent probe after a Newzroom Afrika journalist covering local elections in Soweto was detained by the police.

The African National Congress (ANC) has emerged as early frontrunner in the wake of Monday’s 2021 Local Government Election, with results confirming the party had secured three local municipalities.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the extreme weather events that are experienced as a result of climate change affect the health, lives and livelihoods of people in every country, including South Africa.

With the 2021 Local Government Elections having gotten off to a smooth and timely start at almost all voting stations, the period for voters to report to a voting station to cast their vote has officially ended.

Over eight million South Africans had cast their votes at 23 148 voting stations as at 5pm, the Electoral Commission (IEC) said on Monday.

The Electoral Commission in KwaZulu-Natal says despite the minor logistical problems experienced in some voting stations earlier today, at least 80% of voting stations opened on time, with 1 263 352 (or 23%) voters having cast their ballot by 4pm.

National Assembly Deputy Speaker, Lechesa Tsenoli, says participating in elections is an act of defence for democracy.

Police vigilance is expected to be heightened as the sun begins to set on voting day in South Africa.

Eligible and registered South Africans are heading to the polls this morning in the Local Government Elections to choose who will represent them in 257 municipal councils across the country.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has expressed satisfaction at the progress of the 2021 Local Government Elections.

Government says it is pleased with the millions of South Africans who have already heeded the call to cast their vote in the 2021 Local Government Elections.

Newzroom Afrika journalist, Ziniko Mhlaba, has been released after being detained while covering the Local Government Elections in Orlando, Soweto, on Monday.

Most voting stations in Pretoria North opened on time with no incidents of violence and intimidation reported.

The vast majority of the country’s 23 148 voting stations opened on time at 7am and voting is flowing smoothly in the country’s 2021 Municipal Elections.

President Cyril Ramaphosa cast his ballot on Monday in his hometown in Chiawelo, Soweto, in this year’s Local Government Elections.