Doha:Gauteng The Gauteng Provincial Legislature's Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has urged political parties, their supporters, and the public to maintain peace and avoid violence and intimidation ahead of the Local Government Elections scheduled for Wednesday, 4 November.
According to South African Government News Agency, the committee has emphasized the responsibility of political leaders in ensuring their members and supporters act peacefully. They stressed that political differences should not jeopardize lives, public safety, or community relations. The committee highlighted the importance of allowing eligible voters to make their choices freely, without fear, threats, or intimidation.
The committee's statement underscored that no political contest is worth losing a life and no political difference justifies violence or the destruction of community relations. It called on political parties to show restraint, respect opposing views, and prevent political contests from escalating into confrontations. Additionally, political leaders were urged to discourage provocative behavior and promote the peaceful acceptance of differing political choices.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has been called upon to enhance its visibility and readiness during the election period, especially in high-risk voting stations and areas where political tensions could threaten public safety. Law enforcement agencies must act decisively and impartially against any attempts to disrupt the electoral process through violence or intimidation. Effective coordination between law enforcement, the Electoral Commission, and other stakeholders is deemed crucial for preventing incidents and responding swiftly to threats.
Residents are encouraged to reject political violence, report threats to authorities, and avoid letting political differences divide their communities. Voter turnout is encouraged for the elections on 4 November, with the committee emphasizing the role of local government elections in shaping service delivery, accountability, and development in municipalities.
Approved special votes will be cast on 2 and 3 November 2026. The Electoral Commission has approved a record 2,655,067 special vote applications for the 2026 elections, marking a 131% increase from the 2021 elections.
In parallel, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has urged registered voters to prioritize the election and elect ethical, capable, and accountable leaders. SALGA emphasized the community's role in building a responsive local government system, starting with electing leaders committed to serving with integrity.