Local elections set for 1 November

This follows attempts to postpone the 2021 polls to 2022 amid fears of a resurgence in Covid-19 infections later in the year. 

A report by former deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke saw the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) take to the Constitutional Court in a bid to postpone the elections. 

But the apex court denied the IEC’s application, ruling elections would have to take place between October 27 and November 1. 

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma told media on Wednesday that government had opted for the latest date possible to allow the IEC ample time to prepare. 

“After consultation with the IEC, we have come to the determination that this year's Local Government Elections will be held on the 1^st of November 2021,” said Dlamini-Zuma. 

“We will officially proclaim this date on the 20^th  September 2021, after the voter registration weekend.” 

The voter registration weekend will be held on the weekend of 18 and 19 September. 

“Setting aside the proclamation means that the voter’s roll is reopened, as we speak, voter registration is allowed and it is progressing.  The court instructed the IEC to determine whether it is practical to hold a voter registration weekend,” Dlamini-Zuma added.  

“In complying with the Constitutional Court order, the IEC has decided that a physical registration weekend is a necessity ahead of this election.”

Despite announcing a date, government and the IEC will still face some legal challenges.

This after the IEC also reopened the candidate's registration list, much to the disapproval of the Democratic Alliance (DA). 

The opposition party approached the ConCourt on Tuesday to challenge the move. 

The matter is yet to be ventilated in court. 

Listen to Dlamini-Zuma below: 

ALSO READ: