By Akani Nkuna
President Cyril Ramaphosa has proclaimed the 2026 municipal elections, clearing the way for the official gazetting of the poll date and setting the stage for voters to head to the ballot later this year.
He announced that the Local Government Elections will be held on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, describing the timing as strategically chosen to maximise voter participation.
A voter registration weekend has been set for 20–21 June, as government ramps up efforts to counter growing concerns over voter apathy.
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“The proposed date falls on a Wednesday and outside the festive period, which will improve voter turnout while having minimal impact on schooling and travel,” Ramaphosa said.
The announcement was made during his closing remarks at the Extended Presidential Coordinating Council (PCC) meeting in Boksburg, Gauteng, on Thursday.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, also speaking at the PCC meeting in Boksburg, said the 4 November date was selected to avoid overlap with the festive season and the January back-to-school period, allowing the education sector to plan accordingly.
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“The earliest opportunity was the first of November,” Hlabisa said, adding that the Department of Basic Education would adjust its examination timetable to minimise disruption.
He said the department was expected to finalise its plans by the end of June, including arrangements for first-time voters who will be casting their ballots.
Addressing voter apathy, Hlabisa expressed confidence that citizens would turn out in significant numbers.
“Our people will gain courage from today. Those who have raised concerns about poor basic service delivery will have their time,” he said.
He added that the next five-year term of local government would be shaped by voters’ choices.
Hlabisa also called for peaceful campaigning, urging political parties and communities to uphold democratic principles and ensure that voters can exercise their rights freely.
He said he would convene a meeting with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) to coordinate voter mobilisation efforts.
