South Africa’s next Local Government Elections will take place in 2026. The Electoral Commission (IEC) has already begun preparation work, including ward boundary reviews and voter registration planning .
Local elections decide who runs your municipality — from ward councillors to mayors. These officials are responsible for water, roads, refuse, housing allocation lists, and other basic services.
As of February 2026, voters are not yet able to register, but must start preparing their documents and checking their details.
Why it matters to you
If you live in a rural area like Alfred Nzo or OR Tambo District, your voting ward may have changed — or may change soon. This could affect:
- Where you vote
- Who appears on your local ballot
- Whether you are still registered in your correct voting district
You also need to make sure your ID is valid and your registration reflects your home address, not just your town.
If your information is outdated, you may not be able to vote in 2026.
What you need to know
When are the elections?
Local elections must be held between August and November 2026. The exact date will be announced by the President, in consultation with the IEC.
Ward boundary changes are underway
- The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) has received ward proposals.
- Final ward maps will be confirmed and published ahead of registration weekends.
- Ward numbers and boundaries may change in many municipalities, including in the Eastern Cape.
You must register or update your details if:
- You have moved home since the last local election in 2021
- You have turned 18 and never voted before
- You got a new smart ID or updated your ID address
- Your ward or municipality has changed
Online registration will open before voting starts
IEC’s digital platform will allow voters to:
- Register to vote
- Update addresses
- Check registration status
- Get alerts and SMS reminders
What you should do next
Right now:
- Check your ID — it must be valid and in your name
- Make sure your ID address matches your residential location
- Read about upcoming ward changes in your municipality
- Save the official registration site: registertovote.elections.org.za
Coming soon:
- IEC will announce final ward maps and dates for registration weekends
- SMS and radio campaigns will help reach remote communities
- First-time voters can start registering online or at IEC events
Where to get help / official sources
- IEC website: www.elections.org.za
- Online voter registration: registertovote.elections.org.za
- IEC helpline: 0800 11 8000 (free from landlines)
- Eastern Cape IEC offices: Provincial Contact Details
- Municipal Demarcation Board: www.demarcation.org.za
