Hlabisa urges 29.2 million registered voters to vote in 2026 local elections

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has called on South Africa’s 29.2 million registered voters to participate in the 2026 Local Government Elections on Wednesday, 4 November.

Hlabisa said voting was both a constitutional right and a civic responsibility, giving communities an opportunity to influence decisions affecting their daily lives and determine the future of their municipalities.

In a statement on Sunday, the minister emphasised that active citizen participation was essential to building effective, accountable and responsive local government.

He said municipalities were the sphere of government closest to communities, responsible for providing essential services, responding to local needs and creating development and economic opportunities.

Guided by the theme, “Every Municipality Must Work”, Hlabisa said the success of the next term of local government would depend on the participation and oversight of communities, as well as the work of elected leaders and municipal administrations.

“I urge you not to underestimate the power of your vote. A stronger local government begins with active citizen participation. Through voting, communities have the opportunity to shape the leadership and direction of their municipalities and ensure that local government remains accountable to the people it serves,” said Hlabisa.

He added that voting provided residents with an opportunity to demand accountability, better governance, improved service delivery and development that addressed their needs.

The minister also urged voters who had successfully applied for special votes to make themselves available on 2 and 3 November when Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) officials visit homes and other designated areas to facilitate the process.

Hlabisa warns of potential El Niño-related heat

Meanwhile, Hlabisa has cautioned communities about the potential effects of the El Niño phenomenon, following warnings from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and global climate agencies about the possibility of a strong event extending into early 2027.

He urged residents to take precautions against extreme heat and changing weather conditions to protect their health, lives and livelihoods.

Communities have been advised to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, drink sufficient water, seek shade and monitor official weather updates from the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

The minister specifically highlighted the risks facing vulnerable groups, including children, older persons and people with underlying health conditions.

With voters expected to spend time queuing at voting stations on Wednesday, Hlabisa urged them to carry drinking water, wear light and comfortable clothing and use umbrellas or seek shaded areas while waiting to cast their ballots.

He said public awareness, preparedness and responsible individual action were important in reducing potential health and safety risks associated with extreme heat.

Hlabisa urged South Africans not to sit on the sidelines as decisions about their communities were being made, reminding them that their votes would help shape the future of local government.