Thulamahashe:Mpumalanga Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu exercised his right to vote at the Thulamahashe Civic Centre during the 2026 Local Government Elections.

According to South African Government News Agency, after casting his ballot, Ndlovu spoke to the media, encouraging all eligible South African voters to participate in electing the new council. He emphasized the importance of building a capable local government to deliver essential services, particularly focusing on water security in Mbombela.

Ndlovu highlighted the provincial government's efforts, including plans to construct a new dam in the City of Mbombela and implement the Loskop Bulk Water Supply Project in the Nkangala District to improve water provision. He noted that currently, 12% of households lack access to piped water, 5% lack electricity, and access to sanitation stands at 80%.

He urged voters to collaborate with the government to address community challenges and emphasized their responsibility to engage with councillors. The elections saw South Africans heading to the polls with a record 29.2 million registered voters and 23,696 voting stations nationwide. Voting stations opened at 7 am and will close at 9 pm, with President Cyril Ramaphosa declaring election day a public holiday.