Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has called on eligible South Africans to participate in the upcoming local government elections, highlighting the importance of young people in holding elected councillors accountable. Ntshavheni made the remarks after leading the Kliptown leg of the #LoveYourStreet campaign, where she handed over refuse bins and planted trees as part of government's efforts to promote community pride and clean neighbourhoods.
Ntshavheni emphasized that the freedom enjoyed today was not free, citing the sacrifices of young people who lost their lives in the struggle for freedom, including Solomon Mahlangu, Tsietsi Mashinini, and Hector Pieterson. On 16 June 1976, thousands of young people in Soweto protested against the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in schools, advancing the struggle for freedom, justice, and equality.
The Minister stressed that activism begins with exercising the right to vote, urging voters to choose councillors committed to addressing their communities' needs and challenges. In municipal elections, voters choose representatives and political parties to serve on municipal councils, giving them a say in decisions affecting their communities.
Ntshavheni assured the public that law enforcement agencies would be deployed to ensure safe elections and enable South Africans to exercise their right to vote. She urged young people to participate in the elections, emphasizing that it is their responsibility to elect a government that will lead them.
The Electoral Commission has urged voters to check their voting station details before Election Day. Voters can check their voting station by sending their ID number via WhatsApp to 0600 88 0000 or SMS to 32810 at R1 per SMS, and will receive their registered voting station's name and voters' roll sequence number.
Ntshavheni's call to action comes as the country prepares for the local government elections on 4 November 2026, with special votes being cast on 2 and 3 November 2026. The Minister emphasized that freedom is meaningful only when it is built upon, and rights are meaningful only when they are exercised and strengthened.
The local government elections will see voters choosing representatives to serve on municipal councils, with elected councillors responsible for improving communities and ensuring residents receive services. Ntshavheni's message is clear: every vote counts, and every citizen has a role to play in shaping the future of their community.
Key points
- Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni urges South Africans to vote in local government elections.
- Young people played a crucial role in the struggle for freedom and must remain engaged.
- Voters can check their voting station details by sending their ID number via WhatsApp or SMS.
