Hlabisa calls on voters to verify details before proclamation of local election date
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Velenkosini Hlabisa has urged eligible South Africans to register and verify their voter registration details before the proclamation of the date of the 2026 Local Government Elections on Friday.
The proclamation and gazetting of the election date will result in the closure of the voters’ roll, meaning citizens who are not correctly registered may be unable to participate in the polls.
In terms of Section 159 of the Constitution, read together with the Municipal Structures Act, the Minister of CoGTA is responsible for proclaiming the date of local government elections, which must be held within 90 days after the expiry of a five-year municipal term.
The 2026 Local Government Elections are scheduled for 4 November 2026 and will allow communities across South Africa to elect councillors and influence the future direction of their municipalities.
Hlabisa’s call follows a successful voter registration weekend held on 1 and 2 August 2026, during which approximately 1.7 million citizens interacted with the Electoral Commission (IEC).
Of these, 291 806 people registered as first-time voters, while more than 1.5 million existing voters updated or confirmed their registration details.
The Minister welcomed the participation, saying the turnout demonstrated that South Africans remain committed to exercising their democratic rights.
"The encouraging response from citizens during the voter registration weekend is a clear indication that South Africans value their right to participate in shaping the future of their communities."
He said local government elections are particularly important because municipalities are responsible for delivering essential services that directly affect residents’ daily lives.
"Local government is the sphere of government closest to our people. It is where decisions are made about the services that impact communities every day, including water, sanitation, electricity, roads and local development."
The Minister urged those who have not yet registered or who need to update their details to act before the election date is proclaimed.
"I urge all eligible South Africans who have not yet registered, or who need to update their details, to do so before the proclamation date. Every registered voter strengthens our democracy and ensures that communities have a voice in local government."
Hlabisa reminded voters that, unlike national elections, citizens participating in local government elections may only vote in the ward where they are registered.
"It is important that voters verify their details and make sure they are registered in the correct ward. In local government elections, your vote is linked directly to the community where you live and where you will choose your local representatives."
The Minister encouraged citizens to use the IEC’s online voter registration portal and verification services to confirm their details before the voters’ roll closes.
"Technology has made it easier for citizens to check their registration status. We encourage everyone to make use of the available platforms and ensure that they are ready to participate in these important elections."
He also praised the Electoral Commission, electoral officials, political parties, community organisations, traditional leaders and other stakeholders for supporting the registration process.
"The success of the registration weekend was made possible through the cooperation of many stakeholders who worked together to strengthen our democracy and ensure that citizens have access to the electoral process."
The Minister’s comments come as municipalities continue to face scrutiny over service delivery challenges, financial pressures and governance concerns.
He said voter participation remains essential to ensuring accountability at local government level.
"A strong democracy depends on active citizen participation. Communities must use their democratic right to choose leaders who will serve them and hold those leaders accountable."
The 2026 Local Government Elections (LGE) will take place on 4 November 2026, with the voters’ roll expected to close after the proclamation and gazette of the election date on Friday.
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