President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that South Africa’s 2026 local government elections will be held on 4 November, with a national voter‑registration weekend scheduled for 20-21 June.
The announcement, made on Thursday after the President’s Coordinating Council meeting in Boksburg, marks a key step in preparations for the country’s next municipal polls.
Ramaphosa said more than 200,000 new voters have already registered online since November 2025 and urged citizens to participate fully in the process.
He emphasised that the elections would give South Africans the opportunity to choose their local representatives and reaffirmed the need to respect the will of voters once ballots are cast.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) welcomed the confirmation of the election date, saying it provides essential clarity for political parties, municipalities and election administrators.
Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said the announcement allows the commission to intensify operational planning to ensure free and fair elections.
The IEC encouraged all eligible voters to verify their registration status and ensure they are registered in the voting district where they ordinarily reside, noting that voters may only cast ballots at their designated stations.
The commission’s online platform remains open for new registrations and updates, while the June registration weekend will allow in‑person sign‑ups at voting stations nationwide.
Although Ramaphosa has confirmed the date, the legal proclamation will be issued separately by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, after which the voters’ roll will be closed.
The 2026 local government elections will determine leadership across South Africa’s municipalities at a time when service delivery, governance stability and coalition dynamics continue to shape the country’s political landscape.
JN/APA