South Africa Sets Local Government Election Date for November 4

Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa officially proclaimed and gazetted November 4, 2026, as the date for South Africa's local government elections. This proclamation initiates a 90-day countdown to the polls and closes the voters' roll at midnight on Friday, August 7, 2026.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) reports that over 29 million people are registered to vote, including 2.1 million new voters since the 2024 elections. Women make up 56% of the total registered voters, with the highest registration numbers recorded in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape. More than 300 political parties are expected to contest the elections.

Following the proclamation, the IEC opened candidate nominations via an Online Candidate Nomination System. Political parties and independent candidates must submit their lists by 17:00 on August 28. The final voters' roll will be certified on August 26, and the IEC will publish voting stations on August 14.

IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya stated that the published timetable provides legal certainty and equal opportunity for all contestants to participate in a transparent and fair electoral process. The final list of successful candidates is scheduled for release on September 16.