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South Africa's local government elections date declared

25 May 2016

Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Des van Rooyen proclaimed South Africa's date for the coming local government elections as 3 August 2016. His announcement in the Government Gazette means voters will be choosing councillors to fill seats on their local municipal councils.

Van Rooyen’s proclamation also meant at 5pm on 23 May 2016, all voters' rolls closed and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) could be begin setting up voting infrastructure across the country.

"We are encouraged that the IEC holds an untarnished reputation having hosted a number of successful national, provincial and local government elections since 1994," the minister said. "I am therefore delighted to hand over the baton to the IEC as it prepares to deliver yet another successful election."

He thanked all newly registered voters, voters who went to polling stations to verify their details and people who patiently and provided the necessary information to get registered in their own wards.

"I encourage all eligible voters to help strengthen our democracy by voting in the coming local government election," said Minister van Rooyen.

Source: South African Government News Agency