Parties ramp up mobilisation for local polls

Political parties are intensifying preparations for the upcoming local government elections, following the announcement of the official date for the polls.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday that this year’s municipal elections will be held on Wednesday, the 4th of November.

Parties now only have five months to finalise their election campaigns, with predictions that more municipalities will likely fall under coalition governments.

Action SA national chairperson Michael Beaumont has encouraged South Africans to participate in the elections.

"Action SA welcomes the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa that the local government elections will be held on the 4th of November 2026. South Africans agree that our municipalities, cities, towns, and villages are in a state of crisis. Basic services are in perpetual collapse, criminals run rampant, finances are in disarray, and accountability is amiss as politicians sit in the air they've created."

Rise Mzansi national organiser Makashule Gana has echoed the sentiment.

"We see this as a critical opportunity to reset the state of governance in municipalities. Municipalities and local government are the engine room of South Africa. When municipalities are working, South Africa will work."

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