While residents across Pretoria prepare to cast their votes in the upcoming local government elections, security experts are urging communities to remain alert and take practical precautions before, during and after election day.

South Africans will head to the polls on November 4 to elect councils in district, metropolitan and local municipalities.

The election period is expected to bring increased political activity, including door-to-door campaigns, political rallies, demonstrations and gatherings, which could affect daily routines and travel.

Monitor Net general manager Paul Gerber said residents should remain aware of their surroundings and make sensible decisions without allowing the election period to create unnecessary fear.

“Election periods bring their challenges. Heightened emotions and political agitation play a large role in how people behave and can push them to act outside their normal way of life,” said Gerber.

National security plan activated

His advice comes as the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) says its election security plan has been activated nationally.

In August, NATJOINTS chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said the plan includes visible policing, intelligence gathering, protection of election infrastructure, rapid response, crowd management and co-ordination with the Electoral Commission of South Africa.

The voter registration weekend on August 1 and 2 was also used as a practical exercise ahead of the elections and concluded without major security incidents.

Mosikili said intelligence gathering and analysis would guide operational decisions, including police deployments. More than 26 000 voting stations are expected to be policed during the elections, with security risks determining the level of deployment required.

She cautioned that residents should not assume a lack of visible police officers means a voting station is not being monitored, as some locations may require different forms of security based on intelligence and assessed risks.

Practical safety advice for residents

Gerber urged residents to avoid political arguments in public and to be careful about what they say or post on social media, as disagreements can quickly become heated.

Residents are also encouraged to avoid lingering at political gatherings or polling stations after voting.

“Do not let curiosity place you and your loved ones at risk. The same caution applies to travelling. Residents should monitor reliable news sources, community safety groups and traffic reports before leaving home and avoid routes affected by demonstrations or other disruptions,” he said.

Those working late should know alternative routes between home and work, while residents should not feel pressured to allow unknown campaigners into their homes.

Motorists are advised to keep vehicles locked and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables unnecessarily.

Gerber also encouraged households to prepare for emergencies by ensuring everyone knows important emergency numbers and what to do if family members become separated.

“Residents with security services are encouraged to confirm what emergency assistance is available and test their alarm systems before the election period intensifies,” he added.

Rekord approached the Tshwane Metro Police Department for comment on how it plans to manage security and policing at polling stations across Pretoria during the elections, but had not received feedback at the time of publishing.

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