[Live] 2026 Local Government Elections: Voters face ward boundary delays in northern KZN
Dundee and Dannhauser have reported a steady voter turnout while 14 candidates contest Ward 7 in Glencoe.
Updated at 15:38
Voting in Northern KZN got off to a slow but steady start.
Observers at Dundee Junior voting station described the turnout as ‘slow but steady’, with voters arriving in dribs and drabs throughout the day, reports Northern Natal News.
However, confusion over ward boundary changes resulted in several voters being turned away at Dundee Junior and other voting stations, despite receiving SMS notifications from the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) indicating where they were registered to vote.
Redirected to other stations
Several dozen voters were reportedly redirected to other stations.
In one particularly frustrating case, a 96-year-old voter had to visit three different voting stations before eventually casting his ballot at Dundee Secondary School.
IEC officials attributed the problems to changes in ward boundaries, saying voters could have avoided the inconvenience by checking their registration details during the three registration opportunities provided between May and August.
Despite the hiccups, the mood was largely upbeat, with political parties appearing confident that their election campaigns had done enough to persuade voters.
Quiet stream of voters
In Dannhauser, a steady but relatively quiet stream of voters made their way to the primary and secondary school voting stations.
Among the major concerns facing the community were severe water disruptions, poor infrastructure and a lack of employment opportunities.
Al Jama-ah candidate Syed Mahmood-ul-Hassan Rizvi, 24, was highlighted by the party as one of the youngest candidates contesting in the district.
In Glencoe, the election atmosphere was more festive, with music blaring outside the Town Hall and people gathering in the area. Some were also seen drinking alcohol in public.
The Ward 7 contest was particularly keen, with 13 political parties and one independent candidate vying for a seat currently held by the DA.
Voting at Amakufundo Primary School in Sithembile was also described as slow but steady.
With voting stations scheduled to close at 21:00, counting was expected to begin shortly afterwards, with preliminary results anticipated to emerge during the early hours of the morning.
Investigistation
In eThekwini, the IEC has received a report of the theft of unused ballot papers and a stamp. The incident has since been reported to police.
Published at 12:50
A police officer has been removed from election duties in Donnybrook in the KZN Midlands over alleged unprofessional conduct during the 2026 Local Government Elections.
KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said a sergeant arrived at a voting station in a vehicle branded with a political party’s posters.
“The officer was posted at a voting station in the Mphithini area in Donnybrook. Voting at the station is continuing,” he added.
Acting provincial commissioner Major General Phumelele Makoba said no unprofessional conduct by police officers will be tolerated.
“We reminded our officers of their responsibilities and how they must conduct themselves.
“Apart from internal disciplinary steps, we shall investigate contravention of any applicable act so that we investigate the matter holistically and open criminal proceedings if investigations direct us to do so,” she added.
Assault
In separate incidents this morning, Netshiunda said a man was arrested for assaulting police officers at a voting station in Umlazi near Durban.
“The suspect reportedly arrived at a voting station at M Section in Umlazi drinking and seemingly under the influence of alcohol, and assaulted police officers who attempted to contain his unbecoming behaviour at the voting station.”
Netshiunda said the man was arrested for assault. Other charges relating to the contravention of the Electoral Act 73 of 1998 may be added.
Collision
“Three K9 police officers sustained minor injuries when the vehicle they were driving to a voting station collided with two cattle in the Ibisi policing precinct.
“The officers have already been discharged from hospital and were declared fit to proceed with their duties,” added Netshiunda.
Published at 11:37
Voting in Pietermaritzburg is underway, with many arriving at voting stations with the hope of making a change in their community.
Hoping for access to water, electricity, and proper housing is the driving force behind Copesville resident Xolile Saul’s vote as residents queue at Copesville Secondary School, reports The Witness.
Saul said he is excited to cast his ballot, hoping it will help bring improvements to the area, particularly for people living in informal settlements.
Desperate for basic housing and services
“Voting is hope for residents living in the informal settlements that they will have access to water and electricity. We want the issue of people living under bridges to be solved as they are desperate for homes,” said Saul.
“When people are desperate, they then turn to crime and we want that to stop.”
Hopes to restore the city
Sivalingam Govender brought his daughter along to watch him vote at All Saints United Church, hoping his mark would help ‘save what’s left’ of the city.
He joined scores of voters at the voting station, where the busy car park reflected an enthusiastic turnout.
Govender said he is happy to cast his ballot but anxious about the outcome.
“I came here with my daughter bright and early to make sure that we save what’s left of Pietermaritzburg,” he says.
Voters embrace civic duty
For Dirk and Michelle de Klerk, casting their ballots was a responsibility to their community.
“We’re members of the community and felt that it was our civic duty to cast our vote as our vote counts,” they said.
Published at 09:29
Election Day has arrived and this Caxton Network News blog will provide live updates from KZN.
It’s Local Government Election Day, and hundreds of registered voters, eager to make their mark, have begun queuing at polling stations across the Zululand region this morning (November 4).
More than 50 voters were in line by 07:00 at the John Ross College polling station in Richards Bay, with ZO consultant editor Dave Savides first in line to cast his ballot, reports Zululand Observer.
In Meerensee, the voting station previously at the Anglican Church in Elweboog has moved to the Methodist Church opposite the Total garage.
Reporting from Felixton, Debbie Lane said voting in the serene village was an ‘absolute dream’.
“In fact, it was more of a special reunion of friends and neighbours gathering to catch up, never forgetting the important task at the forefront of our minds that voting was our main mission,” she said.
“There was a heightened sense of ‘Everyone needs to vote for the future of our beautiful country’.”
All polling stations opened at 07:00 and will remain open until 21:00.
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Read original story on www.citizen.co.za
