Tag: local government elections

IEC reminds parties, candidates of nomination deadline

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Political parties and independent candidates planning to contest the 2026 Local Government Elections have been reminded that candidate nominations must be completed and submitted by 5pm today (Friday, 28 August 2026).

The Electoral Commission (IEC) urged all prospective contestants to submit their candidate details and required information well ahead of the deadline to allow sufficient time for post-nomination processes.

The Commission stressed that the election timetable is fixed and cannot be changed or negotiated.

After 5pm on Friday, no further changes or submissions will be accepted. The Online Candidate Nomination System will close at the cutoff time, while political parties and independent candidates will also not be permitted to enter IEC offices after 5pm to submit candidate lists.

The 2026 Local Government Elections are scheduled for 4 November 2026.

For more information, candidates and political parties can visit the IEC website or contact the IEC Contact Centre on 0800 11 8000 or by email at [email protected].

Minister Marais Condemns Killing of Former Knysna Mayor Aubrey Tsengwa

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais has condemned the killing of former Knysna mayor and ANC ward councillor Aubrey Tsengwa.

Tsengwa was shot and killed in Knysna on Wednesday evening, 19 August 2026.

Marais extended her condolences to Tsengwa’s family, friends and colleagues, describing the killing as “brutal” and “senseless”.
“I strongly condemn this brutal, senseless killing,” Marais said.

She welcomed the deployment of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit to investigate the murder.

“Every possible avenue must be followed so that those responsible can be identified, arrested, and brought to justice,” she said.

Marais said the motive for the killing remains under investigation, but warned that Tsengwa’s murder comes during an increasingly sensitive political period ahead of the local government elections.

“We must be vigilant against any form of political violence,” she said.

Marais added that she would closely monitor the progress of the investigation.

2026 Local Government Elections: South Africa Sets 4 November Voting Date

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The 2026 South African Local Government Elections will take place on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, following the official gazetting of the election date by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa.

Minister Hlabisa gazetted the date on Friday, 7 August 2026, in Government Gazette No. 55162.

The announcement officially marks the start of the election period ahead of South Africa’s next municipal elections.

Municipal elections set for 4 November 2026

Under Section 159 of the Constitution, read together with the Municipal Structures Act, local government elections must be held within 90 days after the end of a municipal council’s five-year term.

With the election date now officially gazetted, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) will close the voters’ roll and voter registration for the 2026 municipal elections.

The minister thanked South Africans who took part in the IEC’s voter registration drives and encouraged voters to ensure that their details are correctly reflected on the voters’ roll.

IEC to provide election updates

Following the gazetting of the election date and the closure of the voters’ roll, the IEC will provide regular updates on the various processes leading up to election day.

The gazetting of the date signals the formal beginning of the election period, with political parties, candidates, election officials and voters now turning their attention to 4 November.

Hlabisa calls for peaceful municipal elections

Minister Hlabisa called on all South Africans to help ensure that the 2026 Local Government Elections are peaceful, credible, free and fair.

He particularly encouraged women, young people, persons with disabilities and residents in rural communities under traditional authorities to participate in the elections.

Hlabisa urged eligible voters to use their vote to strengthen South Africa’s democracy when the country goes to the polls on 4 November 2026.

The 2026 municipal elections will determine the composition of local government across South Africa for the next five-year term.
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