Pretoria:Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has called on eligible South Africans to participate in the upcoming local government elections. She emphasized the importance of young people taking part to influence their communities and to hold elected councillors accountable.
According to South African Government News Agency, Ntshavheni reminded citizens to vote on Wednesday, 4 November, in the local government elections. She highlighted that approved special votes are scheduled for 2 and 3 November 2026 and urged those registered for special votes to cast their ballots.
The Minister was speaking after leading the Kliptown leg of the #LoveYourStreet campaign, where she handed over refuse bins and planted trees as part of government’s ongoing efforts to promote community pride, active citizenship and clean, safe neighbourhoods.
Ntshavheni stressed the significance of the sacrifices made by young people in the struggle for freedom, justice, and equality, citing the historical protests of 16 June 1976 in Soweto. These events underscored the critical role of youth in driving societal transformation.
The Minister called for activism starting with voting, urging voters to elect councillors dedicated to addressing the needs of their communities. She warned against choosing representatives who serve only personal interests.
Furthermore, Ntshavheni assured the public of the deployment of law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of the elections. She encouraged voters to verify their voting station details before Election Day, emphasizing the importance of knowing their registered voting station to streamline the voting process.