Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Velenkosini Hlabisa says identifying a suitable date for the upcoming local government elections has proven unexpectedly challenging, with each of the three eligible months presenting its own set of problems.
As the minister responsible, Hlabisa holds the authority to set the election date, acting in consultation with the Electoral Commission (IEC) and the Presidency.
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Since local government elections must take place within 90 days of the previous polls on 1 November 2021, the next election window spans from 2 November 2026 to 30 January 2027.
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Speaking at a media briefing in Centurion on Wednesday, Hlabisa explained that November conflicts with the academic calendar, while December and January are problematic due to widespread holiday travel that may remove voters from their designated stations.
“It’s a difficult time upon which a date must be considered — that is why I indicated that all the departments involved with which we are doing the consultation to ensure that we arrive on a date that will not be a difficult one for any sector of our community.”
Election Date Dilemma Puts Pressure on Authorities
The minister emphasised that the constraints raised by each month require careful balancing to avoid disenfranchising any group of citizens or disrupting essential national activities.
Reflecting on the complexities, Hlabisa suggested the need for a long-term rethink of election timing.
“I hope, and also the discussion we just had this morning, that going forward in 2031, we will need to begin an engagement of moving the elections [away] from this season because it is just not conducive in any way.”
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