KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has welcomed the announcement of November 4, 2026 as the official date for South Africa’s upcoming local government elections
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KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has welcomed the announcement of November 4, 2026 as the official date for South Africa’s upcoming local government elections, describing the polls as vital to the country’s constitutional democracy.
This was shortly after President Cyril Ramaphosa made the announcement of the election date at the President's Coordinating Council in Gauteng, where he is meeting with premiers, mayors and government officials.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Presidential Coordinating Council, Ntuli underscored the importance of elections beyond their procedural role, framing them as a critical opportunity for citizens to shape their communities.
“Elections are the most direct expression of the people’s will. They are a powerful instrument through which citizens can choose leadership, influence governance, and hold institutions accountable,” said Ntuli.
Ntuli called on eligible voters across KwaZulu-Natal to actively participate in the electoral process, urging them to exercise their democratic rights with purpose.
However, the Premier also raised concern over recent findings by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), commissioned by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), which indicate declining confidence in democracy in the province.
According to the survey, support for democracy as the preferred system of governance in KwaZulu-Natal has dropped significantly from 65% in 2015, while voter apathy has risen to the highest level among all provinces.
“These findings must serve as a wake-up call to all of us-government, political parties, and civil society alike.
“Democracy cannot thrive in the absence of active citizen participation. It requires continuous renewal through the involvement of its people,” Ntuli said.
Ntuli issued a strong appeal to residents to re-engage with the democratic process.
“We must not retreat from democracy; we must deepen it. Every vote is a voice, and every voice matters. I urge the people of KwaZulu-Natal to reject apathy and disengagement, and instead take ownership of the future of their municipalities by participating fully in the upcoming elections,” he said.
Ntuli also urged political parties to act responsibly and avoid internal conflicts that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
He stressed the need for cooperation among all stakeholders, including the IEC, political parties, and civil society organisations, to ensure credible elections.
“We must work together to ensure that the 2026 Local Government Elections are free, fair, and credible. This is not only a constitutional obligation, it is a collective responsibility to our democracy and to future generations,” said Ntuli.