President Jacob Zuma announced the date on April 6 in Pretoria and it has been welcomed by the Electoral Commission. The date falls within the Constitutionally-mandated window to host municipal elections between 18 May and 16 August this year.

South Africans will have the opportunity to elect leaders who will serve for a period of five years at municipal government level, mainly councillors and mayors.

The announcement brings certainty and clarity and allows detailed planning by all stakeholders including the Electoral Commission, political parties, government departments, voters, the media, observers and others.

The announcement was especially welcome ahead of this weekend’s final registration opportunity at voting stations as voters could now plan where they might be on 3 August. This was particularly important for students, migrant workers and others who may commute between two places of residence.

The announcement of the election date is not the official proclamation of the municipal elections.

This is scheduled to occur later and triggers the election timetable and a range of legislated events, including the official closure of the voters’ roll for the elections.

This means eligible voters can still register and update their registration and address details this weekend at their voting stations and at the Electoral Commission’s local offices until the official proclamation.