Pretoria:The Cabinet has called on eligible voters who have lost or damaged their identity documents to replace them promptly ahead of the Local Government Elections scheduled for 4 November 2026.
According to South African Government News Agency, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni advised that affected individuals can visit any Home Affairs office or one of over 450 participating bank branches to apply for new identity documents. She also announced that applications for special votes are currently open and will close on 12 October 2026 at 5 pm.
Ntshavheni detailed that special votes enable registered voters who cannot vote on Election Day, such as those with disabilities, pregnant women, elderly people, and those with work-related commitments, to cast their ballots in advance. She encouraged all South Africans, particularly young people and first-time voters, to exercise their voting rights, emphasizing the importance of each vote in maintaining a strong democracy. She also appealed to political parties and independent candidates to adhere to the electoral code of conduct and practice political tolerance.
Earlier this month, the Electoral Commission (IEC) revealed that a record 136,790 candidates have met the requirements to participate in the local government elections. Among these, 98,219 candidates have been nominated by parties to contest ward seats, while 38,571 are nominated for the Proportional Representation election. Additionally, 621 independent candidates will contest ward seats.
The IEC confirmed that these candidates will vie for positions across South Africa's eight metropolitan municipalities, 44 district municipalities, and 205 local municipalities. However, 5,096 candidates were disqualified following statutory reviews, which included checking the payment of deposits and proper nomination of candidates.
Last month, Cabinet noted that preparations for the 2026 elections are on track, with mechanisms in place across all government spheres. President Cyril Ramaphosa officially declared 4 November 2026 as the election date, urging eligible voters to participate and highlighting initiatives to enhance voter turnout, combat misinformation, and ensure readiness for the elections.