Government thanks South Africans for turning out to vote in local elections

Government has thanked South Africans for participating in the 2026 Local Government Elections, singling out registered voters who turned out in large numbers to exercise their democratic right.

In a statement issued after the elections and posted on its official X account, government said it appreciated the participation of millions of South Africans in the process.

Deputy Government Spokesperson William Baloyi said government also extended its condolences to families who lost loved ones during the electioneering period.

“While we celebrate the participation of millions of South Africans in this important democratic process, government conveys its deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones during the electioneering period,” Baloyi said. “We also wish those affected strength and comfort during this difficult time.”

The statement did not give a figure for turnout, did not identify the people who died or where, and did not say what circumstances were involved. It also did not set out any further steps on the elections.

The local government elections were contested across the country’s municipalities, where councils are chosen and where mayors and ward councillors are decided.