President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that South Africa’s next local government elections will take place on 4 November 2026.
The declaration was made on Thursday at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, marking a key milestone in the country’s electoral calendar.
– Advertisement –
While the date has now been confirmed, Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa is expected to complete the formal process by publishing it in the Government Gazette.
Election Date Falls Within Legal Timeframe For Municipal Councils
Municipal councils across the country are scheduled to conclude their current term on 2 November 2026.
In terms of legislation, local government elections must be conducted within 90 days following the expiry of council terms. This places the permissible election period between November and the end of January.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Sisisi Tolashe Rejects Allegations, Blames Former Spokesperson For ‘Misinformation Campaign’
By selecting 4 November, the President has positioned the vote early within the legally defined window.
Ramaphosa explained his preference for midweek elections, stating: “As 2026 is the year in which the local government elections are held, they should be held on a Wednesday, which is the middle of the week, on a date that I now determine as 4 November 2026.”
IEC Prepares For Voter Registration Weekend In June
Preparations are already under way, with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) set to host its first voter registration weekend on 20 and 21 June.
– Advertisement –
The upcoming elections are anticipated to be highly competitive, as an increasing number of political parties have registered their intention to contest.
– Advertisement –
