Briefing: Local Government Elections 2026

Local Government Elections let South Africans choose the councillors who run their municipality. Those councils are responsible for the services you deal with every day: water, electricity, refuse removal, roads and local planning.

Who sits on your council shapes how budgets are spent and how well those services are delivered, which is why turnout and the results matter well beyond election day.

eNCA is covering the build-up, voting and results live. Follow our coverage above and the latest IEC figures in the sidebar.

How to take part

1. Check your registration. Confirm that you are on the voters' roll and that your details are correct. Voter information
2. Find where to vote. Use the IEC voting station finder to locate your voting station. Voting station finder
3. Know how to vote. Read the IEC guide on what to bring and how to mark your ballots. How to vote

Key dates

Registration deadlines, the proclamation of the election date and other milestones are published by the Electoral Commission. Check the official IEC calendar for confirmed dates.

View the IEC election calendar

What we're watching

• Voter registration figures, shown in the sidebar.
• Key municipalities and how service delivery shapes the contest.
• Turnout on the day and how results unfold on results night.