Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has urged all citizens, including traditional leaders, councillors, political parties, and civil society, to support the integration of new wards and ensure that any objections or adjustments are submitted through lawful processes.
“Discontent must never translate into disenfranchisement or disruption. We all share a responsibility to protect free and fair elections and the stability of our municipalities,” he stressed.
This is after the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) officially handed over the 2026/27 Local Government Election ward boundaries to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) yesterday, marking a milestone in South Africa’s democratic calendar.
The MDB has increased the number of wards in South Africa by 20, going from 4 468 in 2021 to 4 488 this year.
The ceremony brought together government leaders, civil society, traditional authorities, political parties, the media and citizens watching online.
The event highlighted that credible, inclusive, and transparent elections rely on sound technical foundations and public trust.
Hlabisa praised the MDB for completing the ward delimitation cycle, describing the occasion as a pivotal constitutional and practical milestone that signals the start of the IEC’s preparations for the upcoming elections.
He emphasised that municipal wards are the foundation of local democracy, providing clear responsibilities for councillors, ensuring fair representation, and enabling municipalities to plan, allocate resources, and deliver services effectively.
“Municipal wards are the building blocks of local democracy. They ensure citizens know who to approach, allow councillors to be held accountable, and align service delivery, whether water, sanitation, energy, roads, waste management, or human settlements, with real communities rather than arbitrary boundaries.”
The Minister highlighted that finalising the wards involved a comprehensive and inclusive process.
This included awareness campaigns starting in mid-2024, technical consultations, municipal planning sessions, and nationwide public engagement from April to June 2025.
The process concluded with the publication of draft documents and opportunities for objections.
He praised the MDB for its professionalism and careful management of deferred municipal boundary cases.
The Minister emphasised that outer municipal boundaries will remain unchanged ahead of the 2026/27 elections to ensure stability.
Hlabisa urged all citizens, including traditional leaders, councillors, political parties, and civil society, to assist in socialising the new wards and to ensure any objections or adjustments are channelled through lawful processes.
“Discontent must never translate into disenfranchisement or disruption. We all share a responsibility to protect free and fair elections and the stability of our municipalities,” he said.
With the handover complete, the IEC will initiate several important preparations.
These include aligning approximately 23 000 voting districts with the new wards, confirming and securing voting venues, and planning the logistics for staff and materials.
In addition, the IEC will ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities and remote communities, re-register affected voters, combat misinformation, and prepare for special voting, party registration, and candidate nominations.
The Minister reminded citizens that municipal councils serve five-year terms, and elections must be held within 90 days after the end of the current term.
Since the current term expires on 1 November 2026, elections must take place between 2 November 2026 and 30 January 2027.
IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya expressed deep appreciation for the MDB’s work, acknowledging the intricate and sensitive nature of determining ward boundaries.
He commended the MDB for its dedication and noted that the IEC will now carry the process forward, emphasising the importance of active societal involvement.
Hlabisa concluded by urging all eligible South Africans to register and cast their vote in their ward of ordinary residence.
The Minister stressed that the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Elections will continue working closely with communities to ensure that all preparatory milestones are met on time. – SAnews.gov.za
