The Local Government Elections (LGE) will take place anytime between November 2, 2026 and January 31, 2027.

This was announced by the Electoral Commission’s (IEC) Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo in a briefing to the media at Election House in Centurion on Tuesday.

Mamabolo says consultations between the minister and the commission have commenced but yet to be concluded.

He says, “The law provides that the term of a municipal council is five years and that elections must be held no later than 90 days following the end of term. The current municipal councils were elected on 1 November, 2021. This means that the current term will end on 2 November, 2026.”

Mamabolo adds, “Therefore, the general elections of municipal council fall due between 2 November, 2026 and the end of January, 2027. The authority to set a date and call an election lies with the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs following consultation with the Commission.”

 

⏰[HAPPENING NOW]: IEC CEO, Sy Mamabolo presentation outline!

The Electoral Commission is briefing media and stakeholders on key updates in the electoral landscape, covering activities from the first quarter of the financial year and preparations for the 2026/2027 Local… pic.twitter.com/5FAvelrXOs

— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) August 26, 2025

⏰[HAPPENING NOW]: IEC CEO, Sy Mamabolo presentation outline!

🔴 Watch Live Proceedings:
Facebook & YouTube @IECSouthAfrica
📺 Link: https://t.co/bNSbSzNxrN…#ElectoralUpdates #RoadToLGE26 #DemocracyInAction pic.twitter.com/aaKCS9k821

— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) August 26, 2025