Consultations underway with IEC to set 2026 elections date: Hlabisa

CoGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa

Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosi Hlabisa says consultations are under way with the Electoral Commission on choosing the date for the 2026 local government elections.

The current term will expire on the 1st of November 2026. Politicians would become Father Xmas if elections held in Jan:Hlabisa

Hlabisa says the elections must therefore be held between 2 November 2026 and 30 January 2027.

He says that municipal councils only serve five years, and elections should then be held within 90 days of the end of that term.

Hlabisa says it’s difficult to find an appropriate date.

“Elections taking place in November have great potential of disrupting examinations. Elections taken in December would be difficult. Elections taking place in January, political parties would become Father Christmas when they’re doing door to door, now it’s a difficult time upon which a date must be considered. That is why I indicated with all the department involved with which we’re doing the consultation to ensure that we arrive on a date that will not be a difficult one from any sector of our community.”

WATCH | COGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has praised traditional leaders for encouraging communities to register to vote and helping to ensure they are correctly assigned to their municipalities. pic.twitter.com/6XeHS72WpU

— SABC News (@SABCNews) December 10, 2025