JOHANNESBURG, Thursday 12 March 2026 — Preparations for the 2026 local government elections are continuing as the Electoral Commission moves toward key voter registration milestones and administrative deadlines.
The elections will decide municipal representation across South Africa, including ward councillors and proportional representation councillors.
The IEC has placed voter registration at the centre of its preparations. Eligible citizens who are not registered, or who have moved since last voting, are expected to update their details before the voters’ roll closes.
Political parties have also begun shifting into campaign mode, with several parties announcing candidate processes, mayoral candidates and voter registration drives.
Local government elections are held to determine control of municipalities, where councils are responsible for services including water, sanitation, roads, refuse removal and local planning.
The IEC has encouraged voters to check their registration status online or at designated registration points during registration periods.
The next phase of the electoral calendar is expected to include further communication on voter registration, candidate nomination processes and the official election timetable.