Civic organisation Defend Our Democracy (DOD) has deployed 2,433 accredited election observers across all nine provinces to promote transparency, accountability and credible electoral processes during the 2026 Local Government Elections. According to the organisation, the observers have undergone comprehensive training and will monitor various stages of the electoral process, including voting and the counting of ballots. In a statement, DOD said its observers would cover 1,515 voting stations across 807 wards and 108 municipalities nationwide. “In the City of Johannesburg…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured Johannesburg residents that waste collection services will resume following disruptions caused by a wage strike involving Pikitup employees affiliated with the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU). Ramaphosa addressed the issue while briefing the media at Hyde Park High School in Johannesburg on Wednesday, after casting his vote in the Local Government Elections alongside First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe. Acknowledging the impact of the strike on municipal services, the President said the dispute had been…

Moepya has encouraged registered voters to visit the voting stations where they are registered and exercise their democratic right. Voters have also been reminded to mark their ballot papers in private and follow instructions provided by election officials to ensure a smooth and orderly voting process. The commission has stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, warning that campaigning, canvassing, intimidation and attempts to influence voters inside voting stations are strictly prohibited. Warning against election-related offences…