Final call for voters as date for local polls set to be gazetted
Updated Aug. 7, 2026, 9:47 a.m. | By Mmangaliso Khumalo South Africans have been urged to register to vote or verify their voter registration details online…
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Updated Aug. 7, 2026, 9:47 a.m. | By Mmangaliso Khumalo
South Africans have been urged to register to vote or verify their voter registration details online before the date of the 2026 Local Government Elections is officially proclaimed.
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, is expected to gazette the election date on Friday, after which the voters’ roll will close.
The closure of the voters’ roll means anyone who has not registered to vote or needs to update their details will no longer be able to do so ahead of the elections.
The elections are scheduled for 4 November 2026, giving South Africans the opportunity to choose representatives responsible for municipal governance and service delivery.
Hlabisa has called on eligible voters to make use of the final opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
"Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa urges all eligible South Africans to register to vote or verify their voter registration details before the proclamation of the 2026 local government elections date on 7 August 2026," said Departmental spokesperson, Pearl Maseko.
Hlabisa said the strong turnout during the recent voter registration weekend was encouraging and reflected South Africans’ commitment to democracy.
"The strong turnout during the recent voter registration weekend was encouraging and demonstrated South Africa's commitment to democracy."
The Minister also thanked the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), political parties, community organisations, traditional leaders and other stakeholders for supporting the registration drive.
Meanwhile, Defend Our Democracy’s Wade Manning has stressed the importance of ensuring voters are correctly registered in their respective voting districts.
Manning said the local government is where citizens experience democracy most directly.
"The frontline of the country’s democracy is local government."
He urged voters to check their registration details before the voters' roll closes, warning that local government elections have specific requirements.
"The IEC has stressed that voters must be registered in the specific voting district where they live. In local government elections, unfortunately, there is no provision to vote outside of your voting station of registration."
He encouraged residents to verify their details through the IEC platform.
"All it takes is two minutes on the IEC portal. Check that you're registered. Confirm that your ward hasn't shifted. Today is actually just a gift, one last chance, to make sure your voice counts exactly where you live."
The IEC has reminded voters that once the election date is proclaimed, the voters’ roll will close at midnight, preventing any further registrations or amendments before the elections.
South Africans who are not yet registered are being urged to act before the deadline to ensure they can participate in the 2026 Local Government Elections.
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