The 2026 Local Government Elections got off to a smooth start in some parts of the city.
With their Smart Cards, green ID books or valid temporary Identity Certificates in hand, thousands of people from the different corners of Durban took to the various voting stations, from 07:00 this morning, to cast their votes in hopes of a free and fair election that will change the trajectory of their lives.

Also read: LGE 2026: Still not sure where to vote?

This comes after the two days of special voting, which took place on Monday, and yesterday. This provided approximately 2.6 million approved voters, who were unable to vote today (the official day of elections), a chance to cast their votes in advance.

According to the Independent Electoral Commission’s preliminary indications (which will be finalised tonight), at the time of closing, 1 425 942 people had voted between November 2 and 3. Out of these, 974 852 were cast at the voting stations, while 451 090 made their marks through home visits.
In KwaZulu-Natal, 208 846 people put their X on the polls through this segment of the elections.

IEC Presiding Officer at the Denis Hurley Centre voting station, under Ward 28, Siphiwe Mbambo, said that they had a successful voting process so far, and he was pleased with the process.

Voter Zanele Mbokazi, who cast her vote at the Durban City Hall, said that she was happy with the process and had also anticipated long queues.

“The queues were very short and we managed to cast our votes very quickly,” she said.

Mbokazi added that she was motivated to vote because she wanted to see a change in her life.

“I was motivated to come and cast my vote after observing the way things have been in the country for the past few years, because of the African National Congress. So we want to change this as the youth,” she said.

Mbokazi said that she was inspired to vote again in the future.

“It is very Important to vote. We can not sit back and watch our country going to ruins after it has been fought for for so much,” she said.

Another voter, Sanele Buthelezi, said that he was pleased too.

“I thought I would spend the whole day here and woke up early but fortunately it was a quick in-and-out.

“They are running a tight ship this year,” he said.

Other stations that the Berea Mail visited were the Denis Hurley Centre, Berea Primary School, Livingston Primary School and Winder Street Municipal Building and observed a smooth voting process in these areas and shorter queues.

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