Upington
By Phumeza Stungu
The Electoral Commission of South Africa has confirmed that municipal ward by-elections will take place across parts of the country in May 2026, as part of its ongoing programme to fill vacant council seats. Among the affected areas
are key wards in the Northern Cape, including Ward 02 in NC077 – Siyathemba and Ward 15 in NC087 – Dawid Kruiper Local Municipality.
According to the IEC’s official election calendar, by-elections are scheduled for Wednesday, 13 May 2026, with voting stations expected to operate from morning until evening to allow eligible voters to cast their ballots. These by elections are a routine part of South Africa’s democratic system and are held whenever ward councillor positions become vacant due to resignation, death, or other changes.
In the Northern Cape, attention will be focused on Ward 02 in the Siyathemba Municipality (NC077) and Ward 15 in the Dawid Kruiper Municipality (NC087), whose administrative seat is in Upington. These elections are expected to
draw participation from multiple political parties as well as independent candidates, reflecting the competitive nature of local governance in the province.
The IEC plays a crucial role in ensuring that these elections are free, fair, and transparent. The commission has, over the years, conducted hundreds of by- elections across the country to maintain representation at municipal level. By-
elections allow communities to continue having elected councillors who can address local service delivery issues such as water provision, infrastructure, and housing.
Voter education and registration remain key priorities for the IEC ahead of the May polls. Residents in the affected wards are encouraged to verify their registration status and ensure that their details are up to date in order to
participate. Only voters registered in the specific wards will be eligible to vote in these by-elections.
Meanwhile, the IEC has also welcomed the announcement of the date for South Africa’s upcoming local government elections, which are set to take place on 4 November 2026. This announcement marks a significant milestone
in the country’s electoral calendar and signals the beginning of intensified preparations nationwide.
The November elections will see voters across all municipalities elect new councils, making them one of the most important democratic events in the country. Political parties are already preparing for what is expected to be ahighly competitive election, with a growing number of registered parties expected to contest.
The May by-elections, including those in Siyathemba and Dawid Kruiper, are therefore seen as an early indicator of political trends and voter sentiment ahead of the national municipal polls later in the year. Analysts suggest that
outcomes in these wards could provide insight into shifting political dynamics at grassroots level.
As the country moves closer to both the by-elections and the November local government elections, the IEC has reiterated its commitment to upholding electoral integrity and ensuring that all eligible South Africans have the
opportunity to participate in shaping their local governance.
