In brief
The South African government, through Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa and Deputy Police Commissioner Tebello Mosikili, urged all 29.2 million registered voters to participate in local elections on Nov. 4. Hlabisa highlighted the importance of citizen participation for accountable local governance, while Mosikili pledged police force deployments and a zero‑tolerance stance against election interference. Special voting arrangements are also in place for more than 2.65 million voters.
The South African government has issued a nationwide campaign urging 29.2 million registered voters to head to the polls on Nov. 4 for the upcoming municipal elections. The call comes from the Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and underscores the role of voter turnout in shaping accountable local governance.
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa called on citizens to “not underestimate the power of your vote,” arguing that local government decisions directly affect the services residents receive and the future quality of life for communities. He added that the success of this next term will rely not only on elected leaders but also on community oversight and active participation.
Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa
I urge you not to underestimate the power of your vote. A stronger local government begins with active citizen participation. Through voting, communities have the opportunity to shape the leadership and direction of their municipalities and ensure that local government remains accountable to the people it serves.
The decisions made at the local government level directly affect the services residents receive, the development of their neighborhoods, and the quality of life of future generations.
Addressing the media in Pretoria, Deputy National Police Commissioner Tebello Mosikili confirmed that operational police personnel have already been deployed to the country. Mosikili, who also co‑chairs the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, said that law‑enforcement would maintain a zero‑tolerance policy against any attempt to obstruct voting stations, intimidate voters, or undermine democratic rights, and that no marches, demonstrations or illegal gatherings would be permitted on voting day.
Deputy National Police Commissioner Tebello Mosikili
No individual or organization has the right to obstruct voting stations, threaten electoral officials, intimidate voters, or undermine another person's democratic rights. No marches, demonstrations or illegal gatherings will be permitted on voting day.
The Independent Electoral Commission has arranged for Special Voting Stations to accommodate more than 2.65 million special‑voting voters, who are expected to cast their ballots on the morning of Monday and Tuesday, when officials will visit homes and designated stations to facilitate the process. The government’s push stresses that voter participation is both a civic duty and a means to ensure that local governments remain responsive to the people they serve.
