On Wednesday, South Africa’s Minister of Governance said the country will hold its local government elections on the 1st of November, to mark its 21st anniversary since it set up a democratic local government system.
Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said in a briefing on Thursday that the electoral act states that a local government election must be held after the end of the previous 5-year tenure. Registration of voters has been set for September 18th and 19th.
“After consultation with the Electoral Commission, we have come to the determination that this year’s local government elections will be held on the 1st of November in accordance with the constitution and Municipal Structures Act,” the Minister said.
Dlamini-Zuma said political parties will be allowed to hold a house-to-house campaign but safety measures against COVID-19 will be strictly adhered to.
She added that the elections will be held under strict conditions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic which has seen South Africa record multiple cases, and has become the worst-hit country on the continent.
Local government elections have become a source of contention in South Africa with the ANC’s popularity thinning out in the face of rising corruption issues in the party.