The first ballots have been cast in the 2026 Local Government Elections as special votes began this morning (November 2). 

A total of 2 655 067 registered voters have been approved for special voting and will vote in two categories comprising home visits and voting station-based special voting. 

The provincial breakdown of the approved lists: 

• Gauteng: 480 721 

• Eastern Cape: 401 971 

• KZN: 348 971 

• Limpopo: 341 623 

• Mpumalanga: 292 775 

• Western Cape: 291 866 

• North West: 235 733 

• Free State: 132 088 

• Northern Cape: 129 319 

Delays in the Western Cape 

While 99% of voting stations opened on time, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) said that by 10:30, voting stations in only 10 of the 116 wards in the City of Cape Town had opened for special votes. 

Incidents reported in KZN and North West 

The IEC said incidents affecting officials occurred in KZN and North West. 

“In the uKhahlamba District, a deputy presiding officer was hit by a car on her way to the voting station and was rushed to hospital. In the North West, a presiding officer collapsed at her post and has died.” 

The commission is providing the necessary support to the affected officials and families. “Notwithstanding these unfortunate incidents, the commission is overall establishing a strong performance across the country and expects further improvement on day two of special voting,” said the IEC. 

Verification channels available for voters 

The IEC has encouraged registered voters to confirm their special vote status and voting arrangements before leaving home, saying: “Special votes at voting stations may only be cast at the voting station where the voter is registered.” 

The IEC has also urged registered voters to verify their details through these channels: 

• WhatsApp: 0600 88 0000 

• IEC Contact Centre: 0800 11 8000 

• SMS: 32810 (R1 per SMS) 

The contact centre is available for election-related enquiries from 07:00 to 19:00 today (November 2) and tomorrow (November 3) during special voting, and from 07:00 to 21:00 on Wednesday (November 4). 

Voting stations will remain open until 17:00 today and tomorrow for registered voters approved to cast their special votes at voting stations. 

“However, where all the approved voters have been served within the first day of special voting, the presiding officer will close the station and will only reopen it for normal voting on Wednesday,” explained the IEC. 

Identification requirements 

Registered voters are reminded that they must have applied successfully to cast a special vote. 

The IEC added that registered voters must present a valid South African identity document before being allowed to vote. 

“Accepted forms of identification include a Smart ID Card, green barcoded ID book, or temporary identity certificate issued by the Department of Home Affairs,” said the IEC. 

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.