WHAT’S NEW IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT

NEW WARDS DRAWN UP

We’re in for a jam-packed 2026 as the country gears up for crucial local government elections at the end of this year.

The good news is that an election year always brings big activity – so expect more roads finally getting paved and more traffic lights finally easing rush-hour congestion. But the bigger picture remains – the need to pressure local government to get into better shape to serve our communities better and to make service delivery a reality.

South Africa started the new year having edged one step closer to setting a date for the local elections. It is expected to take place between 2 November 2026 and the end of January 2027. This will align with the end of the current municipal council terms on 1 November 2026 and the 90 days window for elections to take place thereafter.

By the end of December 2025, the finalisation for ward delimitation was completed. This process happens at five-yearly intervals and is necessary to adjust wards in such a way that they consider the changing number of voters in each ward. This process also ensures that each ward councillor represents an equal number of voters across the wards.

This process is constitutionally mandated and is undertaken by the Municipal Demarcation Board. With this step now completed, the Electoral Commission can begin its work to align its network of 23 292 voting districts to the new wards.