With South Africa’s Local Government Elections scheduled for 4 November 2026, eligible voters are being urged to ensure they have valid identity documents ahead of polling day.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said Cabinet has reminded citizens whose IDs have been lost or damaged to apply for replacements as soon as possible.
Speaking during a briefing on Cabinet’s meeting outcomes in Pretoria, Ntshavheni said affected voters could visit a Home Affairs office or one of more than 450 participating bank branches to apply for an identity document.
Voters have also been encouraged to apply for special votes. Applications are currently open and close on 12 October at 5pm.
Special voting arrangements are available to people with disabilities, pregnant women, elderly voters and those with work-related commitments.
Cabinet has also called on young people and first-time voters to participate in the elections, while urging political parties and independent candidates to uphold the electoral code of conduct and promote political tolerance.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has announced that about 136,790 candidates have met the statutory requirements to contest the elections.
Of these, 98,219 candidates were nominated by political parties to contest wards, while 38,571 were nominated for the Proportional Representation election. A further 621 independent candidates will contest ward elections.
Cabinet has also welcomed measures aimed at combating misinformation and strengthening voter participation and election readiness ahead of the polls.
