South Africa sets 4 November date for local government elections
South Africa will hold its local government elections on 4 November 2026, with the Electoral Commission urging citizens to register and verify their details ahead of the vote.
The commission has launched its campaign for the elections, which determine councillors and leadership across the country's municipalities. A voter registration weekend was held on 20 and 21 June, with just under 24,000 registration stations opening across 4,488 municipal wards.
A second registration weekend is scheduled for 1 and 2 August. Citizens can also register online through the commission's portal until the election date is formally proclaimed, or in person at registration stations and local Electoral Commission offices.
The polls are closely watched as a barometer of the political mood in a country where the long-dominant African National Congress has seen its support erode in recent national elections, giving rise to coalition governance at various levels.
The commission has appealed in particular to young people to register and take part, framing participation as essential to shaping local service delivery and governance. Municipal elections in South Africa decide who runs the towns and cities responsible for water, electricity distribution, roads and other basic services.
