South Africa is now on the road to the 2026/27 Local Government Elections, a crucial democratic process that will shape leadership in towns, cities and municipalities across the country. Municipal councils, elected every five years, play a direct role in delivering essential services such as water, electricity, sanitation, roads and community safety — making these elections one of the most important opportunities for citizens to influence how service delivery is managed in their communities.
Recap of 2021's Local Government Election Results
In the previous 2021 Local Government Elections in the Msukaligwa district, 27,471 people voted, which represents approximately 20–25% of eligible voters, assuming all eligible voters were registered. The African National Congress (ANC) took the overall lead with 61% of the vote, followed by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) at 17.12% and the Democratic Alliance (DA) at 9.95%. This recap highlights the distribution of political support ahead of the 2026/27 elections.
Why Your Vote Matters
Local government elections give residents a direct voice in community decisions. Voting determines who represents wards and how municipalities are run, influencing services like water, electricity, sanitation, roads, and housing. Higher turnout boosts accountability, and for first-time voters, it’s a key chance to shape local governance. Every vote strengthens democracy and ensures leadership reflects residents’ priorities
South Africans are encouraged to make use of current registration opportunities — especially youth and first-time voters. Registering and voting gives you a real voice in how your municipality is run and ensures your needs are represented. With the election date set between November 2026 and January 2027, now is the time to make sure you’re ready to participate in this important democratic process.