The South African Police Service (SAPS) successfully executed a logistical operation to transport voting materials to the isolated island community of eNkovukeni in uMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality. This effort enabled residents to exercise their democratic right to vote in the 2026 Local Government Elections. eNkovukeni, situated within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, is bounded by the Indian Ocean and the Kosi Bay lake system, making access challenging.
The community of eNkovukeni demonstrated its determination to participate in the democratic process, with 13 registered special voters casting their ballots on Tuesday and over 180 registered voters expected to participate on Wednesday. The voting station was scheduled to close at 2:30 pm due to the area's inaccessibility and the size of the voter population. This allowed for an earlier conclusion to the voting process, enabling counting to begin sooner.
eNkovukeni is a small, 5 km strip of land between Bhanga Neck and the Kosi Bay mouth. Traditionally, residents access the area by foot or using makeshift canoes across waters inhabited by hippos and crocodiles. The SAPS deployed rigid inflatable boats powered by outboard motors to transport Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) election materials across the lake, ensuring a smooth voting process.
Nonhlanhla Jele, head of communications at uMkhanyakude District Municipality, highlighted the significance of eNkovukeni's participation in the elections. She stated that despite geographical challenges, the community's involvement serves as a powerful reminder that every vote counts and that no citizen should be left behind in the democratic process.
uMkhanyakude District Municipality comprises 392 voting stations and 374,393 registered voters for the 2026 Local Government Elections. Jele reported that 31,162 people applied for special votes for November 2 and 3, with 21,247, or 68%, successfully casting their ballots. The district boasts the highest number of registered voters.
uMkhanyakude District Municipality Mayor Siphile Mdaka cast his vote at Siphosabadletshe High School in Big Five Hlabisa Local Municipality. He urged eligible residents, particularly young people, to participate in the elections, emphasizing the importance of exercising their constitutional right to vote and shaping the future of their communities.
The voting stations in uMkhanyakude District Municipality are distributed across four local municipalities: Big Five Hlabisa with 81 stations, Inkosi uMtubatuba with 93, Jozini with 122, and uMhlabuyalingana with 96. This totals 392 voting stations, providing widespread access to the electoral process for residents.
Key points
- SAPS boats were used to deliver voting materials to the isolated eNkovukeni community.
- Over 180 registered voters participated in the voting process on Wednesday.
- uMkhanyakude District Municipality has the highest number of registered voters.
