Inter-ministerial committee says preparations are on track four weeks to local elections
Preparations for the upcoming municipal elections are under way, with home affairs and security cluster agencies ramping up operations ahead of November.
Local government elections are four weeks away, with Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa having convened the inter-ministerial committee on October 2 to review readiness for the November 4 poll.
A total of 142 072 candidates will contest 10 526 council seats. This figure includes 636 independents, 97 815 ward candidates and 38 679 proportional representation candidates. Women represent 38% of the list. The oldest candidate is 90 and the youngest is 18.
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Home affairs is urging people to collect uncollected identity documents. Mobile trucks are being used, and office hours will be aligned with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).
The national joint operational and intelligence structure (NatJoints) said security plans are in place for special voting and election day, and work with the IEC continues. Special vote applications close at 17:00 on October 12. Successful applicants may vote at home, a place of care, or at voting stations on November 2 and 3.
The IEC is printing 78 million ballot papers and says it is preparing for a full turnout under the theme: Get up. Show up. VOTE.
El Niño conditions could bring high temperatures and below-normal rainfall, which may impact queues and logistics. Exact weather on November 4 will become clearer closer to the day.
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The National Disaster Management Centre will turn forecasts into practical steps with the IEC, municipalities and emergency services.
Gender-based violence, femicide and mass shootings are being monitored. Government said the incidents are deeply concerning, but they will not stop preparations for a peaceful and credible vote.
About 68 000 voter management devices are being tested. All materials, except ballot papers, are on hand, and storage sites have been screened. Seventy-two organisations have applied to observe, and parties may audit systems.
A communications drive is covering ward information, identity document collection, youth mobilisation and misinformation before, during and after the vote.
Hlabisa called for calm and tolerance, and urged voters to turn out in numbers on November 4.
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