South Africa declares 4 November public holiday for local elections

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared Wednesday, 4 November 2026, a nationwide public holiday in South Africa to facilitate the Local Government Elections. The announcement, made under Section 2A of the Public Holidays Act of 1994, aims to allow citizens to exercise their constitutional right to vote without the constraints of a standard working day.

The upcoming elections will determine the representatives for municipal governments, which manage essential services including water, sanitation, electricity distribution, roads, and waste management.

The Presidency has issued a warning to citizens regarding voting locations, noting that voters can only cast ballots at the specific polling station in the ward where they are registered. Travelers are advised to verify their registration details in advance, as votes cannot be transferred to different wards on election day. Additionally, employers have been urged to ensure employees have the necessary time to participate in the democratic process.