SALGA urges voters to turn out for 4 November local elections
SALGA wants every registered voter to take part in the 4 November local elections, and Home Affairs will keep its offices open longer so people can get ID documents.
The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has appealed to registered voters to make the 2026 Local Government Elections a priority, SAnews reported. The body wants communities to choose leaders who are ethical, capable and accountable.
Voting takes place on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, and will begin the seventh term of local government. SALGA said millions of people are expected to cast their ballots.
Voting dates and what SALGA said
People who registered as special voters can vote earlier, on 2 and 3 November, between 8am and 5pm. Everyone else votes on 4 November, and SALGA noted that the day is a public holiday.
SALGA pointed to the Revised White Paper on Local Government, released ahead of the elections. According to the association, the document looks back over 30 years of local governance, admits that problems remain and sets out a plan to renew the system. It says municipalities should keep their developmental role and constitutional standing, while becoming more accountable and better able to deliver reliable services and maintain infrastructure.
The association described voting as more than a right. In its words, it is “a civic responsibility”. It urged people to use the days left to think carefully about the character, integrity and commitment of those standing in their wards and councils.
SALGA also advised communities to keep an eye on alerts from the South African Weather Service and other state authorities because of changing weather. Voters should plan for a safe and smooth day and try to get to their voting station early on 4 November.
Home Affairs extends its hours
The Department of Home Affairs has said it will keep all front offices open for longer so eligible voters can get the identity documents they need. People can collect finished IDs, apply for new ones or, where applicable, obtain a Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC).
- 2 and 3 November: offices open from 8am to 6pm.
- 4 November (Election Day): offices open from 7am to 9pm, matching the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s operating hours.
What this means for you
If you are registered, check which day you are due to vote and plan to go early, especially if the weather turns bad. If you are still waiting for an ID or need a replacement, the extended Home Affairs hours on 2, 3 and 4 November give you extra time to sort it out. Because 4 November is a public holiday, most workers should have the day free to vote.
This story is based on reporting by SAnews.
