Election day declared public holiday as South Africans head to polls on 4 November

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared Wednesday, 4 November 2026, the date of the local government elections, a public holiday across South Africa.

The declaration was made in terms of Section 2A of the Public Holidays Act of 1994.

The Presidency said the public holiday would give registered voters an opportunity to exercise their democratic right and civic duty by participating in the local government elections.

Voters will elect local public representatives who will be responsible for representing communities and influencing service delivery in their areas.

The Presidency reminded voters that they would only be able to cast their ballots at voting stations in the wards where they are registered.

Voters who plan to travel on election day will therefore not be able to transfer their votes to voting stations outside their designated wards.

Ramaphosa also called on employers to make provision for employees to exercise their constitutional right to vote on 4 November.

The declaration means election day will be observed as a public holiday throughout the country.