21 Politically Motivated Murders Recorded During 2026 Election Period, Natjoints Confirms

South Africa has recorded 21 politically motivated murder cases during the 2026 local government election period, with the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) confirming that an MK Party member in KwaZulu-Natal was among the latest victims.

The disturbing figure was revealed by Chair Lt Gen Tebello Mosikili during a security briefing at the Results Operations Centre (ROC) in Midrand on Thursday, November 5, following a walkabout by Natjoints co-chairpersons and an assessment of the security situation after Wednesday’sREAD MORE

The South African Reserve Bank’s Prudential Authority (PA) has approved an expansion of AVBOB Mutual Assurance Society’s insurance licence to include credit life insurance, a move that could introduce fresh competition into an already established segment of South Africa’s life insurance industry.

The regulatory decision announced on Monday in a statement allows AVBOB to venture into credit life insurance, broadening its operations beyond its traditional funeral assurance business and positioning it to compete with insurers already providing financial protection linkedREAD MORE

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has announced his final 26-man squad for the upcoming back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Kenya, with a mixture of local talent and South African players based abroad included in his selection.

The squad announcement comes as South Africa prepares for two important encounters against the Harambee Stars this November, with both teams expected to battle for valuable points in the race for qualification for the continental showpiece.

Mosimane’s selection includes severalREAD MORE

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Gauteng provincial leader Nkululeko Dunga has called on political parties to put their egos aside and approach potential coalition negotiations as equals, saying no party should consider itself more important than another if it has failed to secure an outright majority.

Dunga said political parties must recognise that they are all minorities if they have not obtained more than 50% of the vote and should therefore be prepared to engage one another on equal terms toREAD MORE

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has reported progress in capturing and verifying results following Wednesday’s local government elections, with 18 local municipalities having completed the process by 9 am on Thursday.

The commission said 34.8% of the expected election results slips had been captured, while 25.4% had already undergone independent auditing as the counting and verification process continued across the country.

Voting stations closed at 9 pm on Wednesday, November 4, with the IEC confirming that voters whoREAD MORE

Police are investigating two separate deaths reported at election venues in Mpumalanga and Limpopo following South Africa’s 2026 local government elections.

In Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, a 57-year-old man was shot dead outside a voting station in Boikhutso in the early hours of Thursday, while in Polokwane, Limpopo, a deceased person believed to be an Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) member was found at Flora Park Comprehensive School voting station.

The two incidents have raised concerns about safety at election venues as politicalREAD MORE

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) have paid tribute to Advocate Modibedi Eric Phindela, Secretary to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), following his sudden death on Tuesday.

Phindela’s passing on November 3 has been described as a significant loss to Parliament, the legislative sector and local government, where he was regarded as a trusted adviser, experienced administrator and longstanding friend.

In separate statements issued on Wednesday, SALGA and the GPL expressed theirREAD MORE

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has urged eligible voters who have not yet cast their ballots to use the remaining hours of Wednesday’s local government elections, revealing that 12 million people had voted by 5pm.

With voting stations scheduled to close at 9pm, the commission said voting had progressed well across the country, despite a few isolated incidents.

The preliminary figures show that Gauteng recorded the highest number of voters, with three million people having cast their ballotsREAD MORE

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against campaigning inside voting stations during Wednesday’s local government elections, saying anyone who contravenes the law faces a fine or imprisonment of up to five years.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, 4 November, the commission clarified the legal restrictions governing political campaigning on Election Day, emphasising that voting stations must remain free from activities that could influence voters.

Voting stations opened at 7am andREAD MORE

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged registered voters to turn out in their numbers and participate in the 2026 Local Government Elections, saying citizens have a responsibility to determine the future of their municipalities and the country.

Ramaphosa and First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe cast their ballots at Hyde Park High School in Sandton on Wednesday, where the president arrived with his family.

It was the first time Ramaphosa voted at the Hyde Park voting station. He has traditionally cast hisREAD MORE