On Monday (November 2) voting stations and retirement homes set off for LGE 2026 Special Voting, preceding the general local election on November 4.

In Ward 26, Addington Primary School and George Campbell School of Technology received staggering numbers of voters.

One voter, Gugu Madondo, a contract street cleaner said she had been voting since 1994, and not much has changed in her livelihood. “Today, and every other election, I voted. I keep hoping that the next office bearers would make our lives a bit better. It has not happened, but I am hopeful this time,” Madondo said.

Fitness instructor, Vincent Pillay shared, “Our municipality is at a breaking point. From skyrocketing electricity bills and failing basic infrastructure to sewage-polluted rivers, lost Blue Flag beaches, and unchecked security concerns with the undocumented foreigners , our residents have been carrying an unfair burden for far too long.

“We deserve clean water, safe streets, functional service delivery, and leaders who treat our taxpayers with respect. Today, my wife and I cast our votes for accountability and better service from our Municipality. The time for neglect is over — our city’s future starts now with my X on the ballot, and we hope our votes will usher in the changes for a better future”.

KwaZulu-Natal IEC spokesperson, Thabani Ngwira shared an update of the first day of the Special Voting.
“A few voting stations experienced delays due to the late arrival of SAPD escorts, while one Area Manager experienced a vehicle breakdown in wet weather conditions. These challenges were attended to, to ensure that the affected operations could proceed.
The remaining 40 voting stations did not receive Special Vote applications and, therefore, will not open for Special Votes administration.

“A total of 362,878 Special Vote applications were approved, comprising 211,449 approved for voting station visits and 151,429 approved for home visits. The administration of Special Votes is taking place today, and tomorrow, November 3. The three Municipalities with the highest number of approved special votes are: eThekwini – 101 470, Newcastle – 16 307, and Msunduzi – 14 603.” Ngwira said.

The Electoral Commission encourages all voters whose Special Vote applications were approved for voting station visits to proceed to their designated voting stations to cast their Special Votes. The Special Voting ends on tomorrow, November 3 at 17:00.

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