As South Africans prepare to head to the polls on 4 November 2026 for the local government elections, the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety calls on all political parties, their supporters and members of the public to place peace, tolerance and respect for democratic principles at the centre of the electoral process.
The Committee stresses that no political contest is worth a single life lost and no political difference justifies violence, intimidation or the destruction of community relations.
Elections are an essential pillar of democracy and must provide every eligible voter with the freedom to make an informed choice without fear, threats or intimidation.
The Committee urges political parties and their supporters to exercise restraint, respect opposing political views and refrain from conduct that could provoke confrontation or threaten public safety. Political tolerance must extend beyond campaign platforms and become a practical commitment demonstrated through responsible conduct, respect for the law and the peaceful acceptance of different political choices.
Gauteng cannot afford to have its communities plunged into violence because of political differences. Violence has no place in Gauteng or anywhere in South Africa, particularly during an electoral process that should strengthen, rather than undermine, our democracy.
The Committee therefore calls on political leaders to take responsibility for the conduct of their members and supporters, discourage provocative behaviour and ensure that political contestation does not become a threat to the lives and safety of residents.
The right to vote was hard won through years of struggle and sacrifice. It must never be undermined by fear, intimidation or political hostility. Every eligible voter, regardless of political affiliation, deserves the opportunity to participate freely in determining the future of their municipality.
The Committee calls on all political parties to protect this fundamental democratic right and allow citizens to vote for the political party of their choice without interference.
The Committee further calls on law enforcement agencies, particularly the South African Police Service, to heighten their visibility and readiness throughout the election period.
Special attention must be given to identified high risk voting stations and areas where tensions or potential clashes between political groups could threaten public safety.
Police must act decisively, impartially and within the law against anyone who attempts to disrupt the electoral process through violence, intimidation or other unlawful conduct.
The safety of voters, election officials, political party representatives and members of the public must remain a priority. Effective coordination among law enforcement agencies, the Electoral Commission of South Africa and other relevant stakeholders is essential to prevent incidents, respond swiftly to threats and maintain public confidence in the electoral process.
The Committee also appeals to residents to reject political violence, report threats to the appropriate authorities and contribute to a peaceful environment in their communities.
Citizens must not allow political differences to divide neighbours, families and communities or compromise the collective responsibility to build a safer Gauteng.
The Committee wishes to see elections that are free, fair, credible and peaceful, with every eligible voter afforded an equal opportunity to participate.
It encourages eligible voters to turn out in their numbers on 4 November and exercise their democratic right, recognising that participation in local government elections is an important step towards shaping service delivery, accountability and development in their municipalities.
As Gauteng and the rest of the country approach this critical democratic milestone, the message is clear, political competition must never come at the expense of peace, human life or the right of citizens to choose their leaders freely.
The success of these elections must be measured not only by the outcome at the ballot box, but also by the safety, dignity and freedom with which every eligible voter is able to cast their vote.
ISSUED BY GPL’S MEDIA SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY SAFETY, HONOURABLE BANDILE MASUKU
