The Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (ProvJoints) in Mpumalanga says it is fully prepared to ensure the 2026 Local Government Elections take place in a safe, secure and peaceful environment across the province.

ProvJoints chairperson Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise said extensive planning, coordination, and operational preparations had been completed ahead of the elections scheduled for Wednesday, November 4.

She said the province had conducted 15 simulation exercises to test its operational readiness, coordination mechanisms, and response capabilities.

“These exercises enabled participating stakeholders to assess preparedness levels and address any identified gaps to ensure optimal readiness ahead of voting day,” said Modise.

She said the special voting process, which began on November 2, proceeded smoothly across the province, with all voting stations opening and operating according to the planned electoral programme.

Security structures monitor 11 high-risk voting stations

According to Modise, the provincial security assessment identified 1 846 voting stations across Mpumalanga. Of these, 11 were classified as high-risk, while 1 835 were classified as low-risk.

She said the risk classification guided operational planning, resource allocation and the implementation of appropriate security measures. Additional attention and contingency measures have been directed towards voting stations identified as having a higher risk.

“While the elections are a celebration of democracy and not a security operation, law enforcement agencies remain fully prepared to act decisively against any unlawful conduct aimed at disrupting the electoral process or preventing voters from exercising their democratic rights,” she said.

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Modise said security personnel had been strategically deployed at voting stations, along key transport routes and in identified areas of concern to ensure visible policing, maintain public order and respond swiftly to incidents.

The security structures are working with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the State Security Agency and other stakeholders to monitor developments and share intelligence throughout the electoral period.

ProvJoints warns against election disruption

She warned that violence, intimidation, public disorder, malicious damage to property, road blockades, and interference with electoral processes would not be tolerated.

“No person or group will be allowed to undermine the constitutional and democratic rights of others through acts of violence, intimidation or interference with electoral processes and critical infrastructure. Any unlawful actions will be addressed swiftly and in accordance with the law,” Modise said.

She also called on political parties, community leaders, traditional leaders and residents to promote tolerance and peaceful participation during the elections.

Authorities probe special voting incidents

Meanwhile, Modise said a limited number of election-related incidents had been reported during the special voting process.

These included allegations of non-compliance with electoral prescripts by election officials, interference with election materials, and isolated acts of misconduct at voting stations.

She said the relevant authorities had intervened, with administrative action taken by electoral authorities and criminal cases registered where necessary.

In one incident, a suspect was arrested, while investigations continued into another matter involving damage to election materials.

“None of the reported incidents has negatively affected the overall conduct of the electoral process, and all identified matters were addressed promptly through established operational and legal processes,” she said.

Modise urged residents to report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies and refrain from spreading misinformation or engaging in conduct that could undermine the credibility of the elections.

She said ProvJoints remained confident in the province’s state of preparedness and was committed to safeguarding the integrity of the elections.

“We call upon all citizens, political parties, and stakeholders to work together in promoting peaceful participation and protecting the democratic gains of our country,” she said.