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The South African government has urged all eligible citizens to vote in the 2026 Local Government Elections, calling on them to help shape their communities’ future.
Deputy Government Spokesperson William Baloyi made the appeal on Wednesday, as voting took place at polling stations nationwide.
In a statement, Baloyi said the elections give citizens an opportunity to exercise their democratic rights and choose leaders who can represent and develop their communities.
“Government sounds a clarion call to all eligible citizens to actively participate in the country’s Municipal Elections by casting their vote at their designated voting stations today,” he said.
Baloyi described the elections as important to South Africa’s democratic values of “freedom, inclusivity and public participation”. He added that the vote allows citizens to choose candidates and political parties they believe can improve their communities.
Based on a SA news report, voting stations opened at 07:00 and are scheduled to close at 21:00. However, voters already within the boundaries of their polling stations by closing time will still be allowed to vote.
The government has also advised voters to cast their ballots early because weather forecasts predict showers in some parts of the country.
Reflecting on South Africa’s democratic journey since 1994, Baloyi said the country had recorded major changes since the end of apartheid.
“Since democracy in 1994, the lives of people have fundamentally changed for the better,” he said.
He stressed that citizens have a shared responsibility to protect and strengthen democracy.
“The responsibility to protect and strengthen our democracy rests with all citizens. Therefore, we must enable democracy to flourish to see the change we want,” he added.
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Baloyi further noted that participating in elections gives voters a direct role in choosing municipal leaders and shaping their communities’ future direction. He urged eligible citizens not to miss the opportunity to vote freely.
“Government urges all citizens to heed the call to vote. Remember you have the right to vote and the right to choose freely. Make your mark, every vote matters in shaping the future of our communities and strengthening local democracy,” he said.
The 2026 Local Government Elections will determine the representatives responsible for managing municipalities and delivering essential services across South Africa.
