Ntshavheni urges South Africans to vote on 4 November
Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has appealed to eligible voters, especially young people, to turn out for the 4 November local government elections and to choose councillors they can hold accountable.
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, the Minister in the Presidency, has appealed to eligible South Africans to take part in the local government elections on Wednesday, 4 November. She put special emphasis on young voters, according to SAnews.
She spoke to SAnews.gov.za after taking part in the Kliptown leg of the #LoveYourStreet campaign, where she gave out refuse bins and planted trees. The campaign is part of government’s work to encourage civic pride and cleaner, safer neighbourhoods.
A call to young people
Ntshavheni reminded the public that today’s freedoms came at a cost, mentioning Solomon Mahlangu, Tsietsi Mashinini and Hector Pieterson. She also referred to 16 June 1976, when thousands of young people in Soweto marched against the forced use of Afrikaans in schools.
In her view, young South Africans need to stay involved so that rights are put to use and strengthened. She said freedom covers access to education as well as economic opportunities, and that reaching those goals takes participation and activism. The first step, she said, is voting for the government and councillor of your choice.
She urged voters to back candidates who are committed to dealing with local problems, and to steer clear of anyone who serves only personal interests. Voters should pick someone they can question about community issues, she said, and could ask each candidate how they would help build the area. Addressing the youth, she said: “this is your country and your future.”
The Minister also said police and other law enforcement bodies would be deployed to keep the elections safe so that people can vote without fear.
What voters need to know
- Election Day is Wednesday, 4 November.
- Approved special votes are being cast on 2 and 3 November 2026. Anyone with an approved special vote is encouraged to use it.
- In these elections, you may vote only at the voting station where you are registered.
The Electoral Commission advises voters to confirm their station details before Election Day. You can do this by sending your ID number on WhatsApp to 0600 88 0000, or by SMS to 32810 at R1 per SMS.
The reply gives the name of your voting station and your sequence number on the voters’ roll. Giving that number to the officials on the day helps them find your name faster, which can shorten your time at the station.
Councillors elected in municipal elections sit on local councils and are responsible for making sure residents receive services. Your vote therefore helps decide who makes local decisions on matters that affect your community.
This story is based on reporting by SAnews.
