By Tumi Makgobotloane
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has officially launched its 2026 Local Government Elections campaign, confirming full operational readiness for the upcoming polls set for Wednesday, 4 November 2026.
Speaking at the launch today, former IEC Chairperson Glen Mashinini highlighted the importance of local government elections in strengthening South Africa’s constitutional democracy.
“Local government elections occupy a unique and deep place in our constitutional democracy,” said Mashinini.
He added that local government elections bring governance closer to communities and should never be viewed as “secondary elections.”
“Local government elections are not, as sometimes implied, secondary elections, they are important to our democratic order. We do this with a full understanding that democracy depends on all of us to bring meaning and essence,” he said.
Mashinini further stressed that democracy requires active participation from citizens.
“Today is meant to remind all of us that our key role is preserving and sustaining democracy.”
As the country heads toward another important election cycle, questions remain around youth participation and voter turnout.
KOMATI NEWS FLASH WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU:
1️⃣ Are young South Africans really apathetic about voting, or is something deeper going on?
2️⃣ To what extent has trust in political parties and government influenced declining voter turnout among young people?
3️⃣ What would it realistically take to re-engage young voters ahead of the next election cycle?
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