National

Voting in Johannesburg.  (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

Beyond the ballot box, the people watching over South Africa’s elections

Beyond the political parties and candidates, thousands of election workers and observers ensure voting day functions. From managing queues to tackling accessibility hurdles, their behind-the-scenes efforts protect South Africa's democratic process.

Jacob Zuma addresses members of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party outside the high court in Johannesburg on April 11, 2024. (Photo by EMMANUEL CROSET / AFP)

Zuma makes plethora of promises as MK party takes early lead in KZN

Former President Jacob Zuma has pledged to aggressively tackle poverty and raise pensions as his uMkhonto weSizwe party secured an early…

LIVE: Local government elections results

Follow the live outcomes and real-time counts of the South African local government elections with our interactive results dashboard.

IEC chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo is in a race to complete voter registrations.

A meagre 12 million people cast ballots as vote counting commences after 9pm

Preliminary figures from the Electoral Commission of South Africa show that approximately 12 million voters cast their ballots by 5pm in the 2026 local government elections, with…

Yonela Tshaka is contesting Ward 12 in Makhanda’s Makana Municipality.

A new generation in the running for local government

Several candidates under the age of 30 are contesting wards across South African municipalities in the 2026 local government elections, aiming to bring fresh leadership and…

Ward 90 councillor candidate Paul Nkhumane puts service delivery at the centre of his campaign

Ward 90 councillor candidate Paul Nkhumane has pledged to put service delivery, infrastructure, and youth participation at the forefront of his agenda for Ekurhuleni residents.

Bakerton CPF member Sadah Pachigadas.

The Bakerton Ballot: Political paralysis meets community policing in Ekurhuleni’s Ward 72

As rival political parties trade blame over service delivery failures in Ekurhuleni's Ward 72, the Bakerton Community Police Forum is stepping up to hold whoever wins accountable.

The long queues that once defined our democracy are becoming a distant memory

Reflecting on the historic, snaking queues that once defined South African democracy, a return to Tembisa exposes a troubling shift toward voter apathy and quiet polling stations.

Voters queue at a voting station in Maseru

Ballot shortages and technical glitches disrupt voting as frustrated residents are turned away

Voting was disrupted across several stations due to technical glitches, missing ballots, and voters roll errors, leading to long delays and rising tensions.

Alexandra residents question political promises as parties campaign across township

Despite a heavy presence of political parties campaigning in Alexandra, residents express growing disillusionment over persistent service delivery failures and empty election…

What is the point of voting?: Ivory Park Extension 2 youth lose faith in the ballot

Disillusioned by persistent water shortages and persistent unemployment, young residents in Ivory Park Extension 2 say voting no longer feels meaningful.

The IEC said it did not believe the box went missing due to negligence.
(Delwyn Verasamy/ Mail & Guardian)

Two KZN voting stations closed, ballot papers stolen – IEC

The IEC has introduced strict verification protocols after ballot papers and a security stamp were stolen in eThekwini, while severe weather has left voting stations cut off in…

When warring Westbury gangs made peace in the 1990s

‘I want him to feel safe’: Westbury mother votes for her son’s future

Haunted by gangsterism, chronic water cuts, and unemployment in Westbury, mother Lauren Smith walked kilometres to cast her vote in hope of securing a safer future and better…

Over the past four elections the smaller political parties have been losing votes hand over fist — except for the Freedom Front Plus (FF+). (David Harrison/M&G)

No water, no order: Sophiatown voter wants Freedom Front Plus to rescue SA

Frustrated by daily water cuts, uncollected rubbish, and urban decay, Sophiatown voter Joanna Moleko has cast her ballot for Pieter Groenewald and the Freedom Front Plus in…

President Cyril Ramaphosa voting, November 4.

Ramaphosa acknowledges municipal failures as service delivery takes centre stage

President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged ongoing service delivery failures in Johannesburg and across the country, calling on incoming municipal councillors to prioritise basic…

‘We can push past 50%’, says Zille as she casts her vote

DA mayoral candidate Helen Zille believes the party can win an outright majority in Johannesburg, pledging to restore basic services and reduce pressure on Cape Town.

Johannesburg voters turn out at Hyde Park as Ramaphosa prepares to vote

Johannesburg residents casting their ballots at Hyde Park High School express hopes for improved service delivery and accountable leadership in the 2026 Local Government Elections.

Voting in Johannesburg.  (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

LIVE: Local government elections

13:22| TENSIONS FLARE BETWEEN VOTERS IN ORANGE GROVE Tensions flare between the ANC and the Democratic Alliance as voting continues in Orange Grove, where ANC Secretary-General…

Fuel pumps. Image: Supplied

Drop in fuel price

South African motorists will experience financial relief at the pumps as petrol and diesel prices decrease, supported by government adjustments to the general fuel levy.

Angelo Agrizzi (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

Agrizzi to appeal R1.66bn Bosasa confiscation order

Former Bosasa COO Angelo Agrizzi will appeal against a Gauteng High Court order compelling him to pay R1.66 billion to the state, arguing the amount reflects total company…