Parties make final push as South Africa’s local election turnout fears grow

Ahead of South Africa’s local government elections on Wednesday, November 4, political parties are making final appeals for voters to turn out, after participation fell from 57.94% in 2016 to 45.87% in 2021. President Cyril Ramaphosa urged registered voters to cast ballots and called for a peaceful election without violence or intimidation. He acknowledged that municipal failures had undermined public confidence, but said voters could choose representatives who would improve local services. At the ANC’s final rally at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, he also urged party members to mobilise voters.