The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli has welcomed the announcement of 4 November 2026 as the official date for the upcoming Local Government Elections. Speaking on the sidelines of the Presidential Coordinating Council in Gauteng, the Premier underscored the central role elections play in sustaining and strengthening South Africa’s constitutional democracy.
The Premier emphasised that elections are not merely a procedural exercise, but a defining moment for citizens to shape the future of their communities. He called on all eligible voters across KwaZulu-Natal to rise to the occasion and exercise their democratic right with purpose and conviction. “Elections are the most direct expression of the people’s will. They are a powerful instrument through which citizens can choose leadership, influence governance, and hold institutions accountable,” the Premier stated.
At the same time, the Premier expressed concern over recent findings from the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), commissioned by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), which point to declining confidence in democracy within the province. The survey indicates that support for democracy as the preferred system of governance in KwaZulu-Natal has declined significantly from 65% in 2015, alongside a marked increase in voter apathy, now the highest among all provinces.
“These findings must serve as a wake-up call to all of us-government, political parties, and civil society alike,” the Premier noted. “Democracy cannot thrive in the absence of active citizen participation. It requires continuous renewal through the involvement of its people.”
The Premier made a strong clarion call to all citizens: “We must not retreat from democracy; we must deepen it. Every vote is a voice, and every voice matters. I urge the people of KwaZulu-Natal to reject apathy and disengagement, and instead take ownership of the future of their municipalities by participating fully in the upcoming elections.”
He further called on all political parties to conduct themselves responsibly and to ensure that internal dynamics do not undermine the integrity of the electoral process. The Premier emphasised the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders, including the IEC, political formations, and civil society, to safeguard the credibility of the elections.
“We must work together to ensure that the 2026 Local Government Elections are free, fair, and credible. This is not only a constitutional obligation, it is a collective responsibility to our democracy and to future generations,” the Premier concluded.
ISSUED BY KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
