Every Municipality Must Work
The official handover of the 2026 ward boundaries marked a significant constitutional and governance milestone as the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) formally transferred the final wards to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), signalling the start of preparations for the next local government elections.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa, described the occasion as “a pivotal constitutional moment and a practical milestone,” noting that it concludes the 2024/25 ward delimitation cycle and enables the IEC to begin detailed operational planning for the 2026 elections.
Minister Hlabisa emphasised that wards are central to local democracy, stating that “municipal wards are the building blocks of local democracy and the everyday arena of governance.” He highlighted their importance in strengthening accountability, improving service delivery planning, and ensuring communities are fairly represented.
Acknowledging that demarcation can be complex and sometimes contested, the Minister appealed for stability and lawful engagement. “Discontent must never tip into disenfranchisement or disruption,” he said, calling on political parties, traditional leaders, and civil society to help communities understand and adapt to the new ward boundaries.
He further outlined the critical tasks ahead for the IEC, including voter registration alignment, communication to combat misinformation, and ensuring accessibility for rural and vulnerable communities. He urged all eligible South Africans to “register and to vote in the ward of their residence.”
The ceremony brought together leaders from government, the electoral sector, civil society, faith-based organisations, traditional leadership, and the private sector, reflecting a shared commitment to transparent, inclusive, and credible elections. Minister Hlabisa concluded by reaffirming government’s mandate to ensure that “every municipality must work,” linking electoral preparedness to long-term service delivery, governance reform, and community trust.