President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that South Africa’s next Local Government Elections will be held on 4 November 2026, formally setting the country on course for a new electoral cycle and triggering preparations across political parties, government institutions, and electoral bodies.

The declaration was made during a meeting of the Extended Presidential Coordinating Council (PCC) at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre, where the president was joined by premiers, mayors and senior government officials.

“I therefore determine that the next local Government Elections will be held on a Wednesday, on a date I now determine as the 4th of November 2026.
“Therefore, with the full concurrence of the Deputy President here, I now determine that the next Local Government Elections will be held on 4 November 2026.”
Cyril Ramaphosa

The president said the announcement provides certainty for all stakeholders and effectively signals the start of the campaign period.

Political parties are expected to begin intensifying their campaigns, while electoral authorities and civil society groups prepare for voter registration and awareness drives. With just over six months until the polls, the focus is expected to shift quickly toward mobilisation and organisational readiness.

According to the South African President, “the 4th of November 2026 is the date that we have set for the Local Government Elections that will have completed a full five years since the 2021 Elections,” adding that, “this is in line with our constitutional construct to keep to those timelines that are clearly set out in our Constitution.”

Ramaphosa emphasised that the election date offers a clear starting point for political activity, noting that parties are already engaging with supporters and encouraging voter participation.

He said the coming months would be critical in ensuring that voters are registered and informed, particularly as concerns persist about declining turnout in recent elections. Increasing participation, especially among younger voters, remains a central priority for both political actors and the government.

Moreover, the president acknowledged that while campaigning intensifies, municipal administrations must continue delivering services and maintaining stability.

“Voter turnout is always a concern to political parties and indeed to the State or the government because the fewer people who vote, the more we get concerned about the status of our democracy. Our task is to increase voter turnout, to get as many people as possible, especially young people, to come out, register and vote.”
Cyril Ramaphosa

Ramaphosa further stated that political parties have a responsibility not only to present clear plans to voters but also to encourage participation in the democratic process, particularly at a time when public trust in local governance is under scrutiny.

“The objective is to get everyone to be properly mobilised to go out and vote. Today gives them the starting blocks. They must now work harder to make sure that the campaigning starts and that voter registration also starts. I will also be doing my part”
Cyril Ramaphosa

DA and ActionSA Gear Up for 2026 Local Elections

Democratic Alliance (DA) and ActionSA have both signalled readiness to contest what is expected to be a highly competitive vote. The confirmation of the election date during the President’s Coordinating Council meeting in Boksburg has effectively triggered early campaign activity, as parties position themselves to win control of municipalities and metros.

The DA said the upcoming elections would be decisive for the future of local governance, particularly in smaller towns where service delivery challenges remain acute.

National campaign manager, Ashor Sarupen described the upcoming elections as “make-or-break,” stressing the urgency of restoring functionality in struggling municipalities.

“The urgency of getting towns and cities working is immense, and that is why this local government election is so important for South Africa.”
Ashor Sarupen

Sarupen said the party has already begun rolling out its campaign, including announcing mayoral candidates selected through what he described as a rigorous process aimed at ensuring strong leadership. He added that more candidates would be unveiled in the coming months as preparations intensify.

ActionSA, on the other hand welcomed the confirmation of the election date, framing the vote as an opportunity to address widespread dissatisfaction with local government performance.

National Chairperson Michael Beaumont said voters were increasingly frustrated by failing services and poor governance, statting, “basic services are in perpetual collapse, criminals run rampant, finances are in disarray, and accountability is amiss as politicians sit in air-conditioned offices, insulated from the problems they’ve created.”

According to the National Chairperson of ActionSA, the party is ready to contest the elections with a mix of experienced leaders and emerging candidates.

He added that while mayoral candidates will drive the party’s overall vision, equal focus will be placed on ward-level candidates, with an emphasis on leaders rooted in their communities.