Cogta pushes citizens to get election ready for 2026

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa convened the final Inter Ministerial Committee meeting on Local Government Elections for 2025 on Friday to assess national readiness for the 2026 local government polls.

The meeting brought together Ministers, Deputy Ministers, representatives from the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, the IEC, the South African Local Government Association, the Municipal Demarcation Board, Directors General and senior government officials. The committee reviewed progress in the implementation of key actions agreed upon earlier in the year.

Minister Hlabisa opened the meeting by congratulating the three newly appointed IEC Commissioners. He wished them well as they begin their new responsibilities ahead of the elections.

The IEC briefed the committee on preparations for the 2026 elections. This included findings from a public opinion survey conducted among eligible citizens. The research focused on attitudes on socio economic conditions, views on the state of electoral democracy, factors that influence voter turnout and reasons that inform decisions to vote or not to vote.

The committee said the findings should be used to shape communication plans. It said clear messaging will be important to improve voter turnout and strengthen the credibility of the elections. The IEC also presented key milestones in the preparation timeline.

Voter registration weekends are being considered for June and July 2026. Legislative provisions place the next local government elections between November 2026 and January 2027. Consultations with stakeholders are underway to identify a suitable election date.

The committee also received a progress report on the finalisation of the Coalition Bill. The bill is intended to provide a framework to manage coalitions at local level.

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure gave an update on security planning. It covered measures for the period before the elections, during voting and after results are declared. The committee noted the progress made by the security cluster and the ongoing engagements with stakeholders.

The Department of Home Affairs presented a report on measures to support free and fair elections. The department has 220 mobile units across the country. These units continue to issue identity documents and security documents to communities. Ten targeted outreach programmes are underway to bring services closer to citizens. The department is also working with the IEC and partners to ensure a coordinated plan ahead of the polls.

The committee received a report on the implementation of the communications strategy. It recommended that communication work must be guided by research, must reach a wide audience and must follow the election timeline. Media analysis was presented to the meeting, with insights to guide future communication. The committee said public education must continue to mobilise citizens.

The Municipal Demarcation Board confirmed that completed ward boundaries will be handed over to the IEC on 10 December. It also outlined challenges that came up during the ward delimitation process.

Cogta spokesperson Legadima Leso said the committee is calling on citizens to get ready for the elections. Leso said the committee encourages all South Africans to take part in the upcoming registration weekends and to check their details on the voters roll.

The committee said it will continue to strengthen partnerships to ensure that accurate information reaches the public ahead of the elections.