SALGA urges voters to choose ethical and accountable leaders ahead of local government elections

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has urged eligible South Africans to make their voices heard in the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE), stressing the importance of electing leaders who will put communities first.

The elections are scheduled for Wednesday, 4 November 2026, with special votes taking place on Monday, 2 November, and Tuesday, 3 November, between 8am and 5pm.

In a statement, SALGA said the polls would usher in the seventh administration of local government and provide communities with an opportunity to influence the future direction of municipalities.

The call comes after the launch of the Revised White Paper on Local Government, which reflects on 30 years of local governance, recognises ongoing challenges and outlines a vision for reforming the sector.

The policy framework seeks to preserve municipalities’ constitutional status and developmental mandate while strengthening democratic accountability, institutional capacity and service delivery.

SALGA said the responsibility for building responsive local government begins with voters choosing representatives who demonstrate integrity, competence and a commitment to serving the public.

“Voting is therefore more than a constitutional right: it is a civic responsibility and a vital part of the social compact through which citizens hold local government to account,” the association said.

It encouraged voters to assess the track records, integrity and commitment of candidates seeking positions in wards and municipal councils.

According to SALGA, the success of efforts to renew local governance will depend largely on the decisions made by communities at the ballot box.

The association also urged voters to prepare for possible changing weather conditions by monitoring advisories from the South African Weather Service and relevant authorities.

Voters have been encouraged to arrive at voting stations early on election day, which has been declared a public holiday.

Meanwhile, the Department of Home Affairs is extending operating hours at its front offices to assist eligible voters who need identity documents to participate in the elections.

The department said the extended hours would allow citizens to collect completed identity documents, apply for new documents or obtain Temporary Identity Certificates (TICs), where applicable.

Home Affairs offices will operate from 8am to 6pm on 2 and 3 November, and from 7am to 9pm on election day.

The extended services are intended to ensure that eligible voters have the necessary identification to cast their ballots.

SALGA said every vote presents an opportunity to strengthen local democracy, improve service delivery and place communities at the centre of municipal governance.