National News

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS 2026 | GAUTENG Special voting underway as Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni face intense political contest JOHANNESBURG – Gauteng is entering a decisive period ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections, with political parties making their final appeals to voters while the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) intensifies preparations to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process. Special voting commenced on Monday, 2 November, and will continue until Tuesday, 3 November, ahead of the main election day on Wednesday, 4 November. The province has recorded the highest number of approved special votes nationally, with 480 721 voters cleared to participate in the process. Of these, 391 589 are approved to cast their ballots at their registered voting stations, while the remaining voters will receive assistance through home visits. The special voting arrangements are intended to accommodate registered voters who may be unable to vote on the main election day due to physical infirmity, disability or other qualifying circumstances. The IEC has deployed electoral officials to administer the process, with voting stations operating from 08:00 to 17:00 during the special voting period. Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni in the spotlight The elections are expected to place Gauteng's major metropolitan municipalities under intense scrutiny, particularly Johannesburg, Tshwane...