As South Africans prepare to vote in the 2026 Local Government Elections, Unisa election observer Ras Advocate Sipho Mantula urges communities to remain active in holding elected leaders accountable beyond voting day. He warns that corruption, unstable coalitions, political intolerance and poor governance threaten local democracy.

Water shortages, power cuts, poor sanitation and crumbling infrastructure remain major challenges in many South African municipalities. Independent researcher Professor Kealeboga Maphunye warns that poor leadership, corruption and a lack of accountability continue to undermine local government.

As South Africans prepare to vote in the 4 November 2026 Local Government Elections, Professor Boitumelo Senokoane argues that voters must look beyond political promises and hold parties accountable for poor governance, corruption and failing service delivery. He also examines the growing challenges of coalition politics.

Government has cautioned the public against modifying South Africa’s national flag after an altered version incorporating Israel’s Star of David was reportedly displayed by church groups during a demonstration outside Parliament. The warning comes amid sensitivities surrounding the use of national symbols to express political and religious views.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) says the first day of special voting concluded smoothly across the country, despite initial delays at some Cape Town voting stations. Approved voters who have not yet cast their ballots have one final opportunity on Tuesday, 3 November, ahead of Election Day.

KwaZulu-Natal TikToker Nkululeko “Max” Makhanya, 38, has been granted R7,000 bail after appearing in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on charges of crimen injuria and inciting violence over a TikTok video allegedly targeting provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Furthermore, economically, voting requires that, you must take time to think about the expected utility of the outcome of voting.

A 41-year-old HIV-positive man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping his 13-year-old daughter in Paternoster, with the court also convicting him of attempted murder after he admitted to knowingly exposing the child to the risk of HIV infection.

Former Bosasa chief operating officer Angelo Agrizzi has been hit with a confiscation order worth more than R1.66 billion following a court ruling linked to corruption and money laundering. The NPA says the order is aimed at stripping him of the financial benefits of crime.

With South Africans heading to the polls on 4 November, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has urged all 29.2 million registered voters to cast their ballots, while warning communities to take precautions against potential extreme heat linked to El Niño.

South Africans head to the polls on Wednesday, 4 November, to elect their local representatives. But depending on where they live, voters will receive either two or three ballot papers. Here is what to expect at the voting station, how to mark your ballot and what the major parties did in their final campaign push.

Gauteng has inspected more than 7,300 liquor outlets, closed 20 and flagged hundreds for non-compliance as the province intensifies efforts to curb gender-based violence. But with forensic backlogs and outstanding investigations still posing challenges, the race to deliver justice continues.

The Government Communication and Information System has welcomed the appointment of Milingoni Fhulufhelo Lloyd Nedohe as its new Director-General, with his tenure officially beginning on 1 November 2026 amid growing challenges around misinformation and public trust.

From a classroom in Mbembesi Village to a successful businesswoman and philanthropist, Zodwa Mkandla has come full circle, donating a science laboratory to her former school in a move set to expand opportunities for learners and uplift vulnerable families.

With the 2026 Local Government Elections days away, SALGA is calling on registered voters to turn out in numbers and elect capable, ethical leaders, while Home Affairs extends office hours to help citizens secure identity documents needed to vote.