Local municipalities are the foundation of our democracy. It is where you have direct access to your elected leaders. So vote for leaders that represent you in your ward in the municipal elections on Monday (yes, Monday), 1 November 2021. All voting stations will be open from 7am to 9pm.
Did you know that the whole of South Africa, all its cities and towns, is divided into wards? These are represented on three types of municipal councils – Metropolitan, or Local and District Councils.
Local and District Councils are municipalities that serve smaller towns and cities.
In fact, District Councils are made up of a few Local Council Municipalities.
Metropolitan Councils serve the larger cities and towns.
Local government is at the coalface of service delivery. Your local municipality has the power to pass bylaws and set budgets to make sure money is fairly allocated to your community.
That’s why it’s important to make your voice count and to vote for leaders to represent you and your ward in your Municipal Council in the upcoming municipal elections.
Elected councillors are responsible for improving communities. They must deliver services to everyone living in their area. They must ensure that the community is involved in making decisions.
So, it’s important to know who is running to be a councillor in your ward and municipality, to research them, and to know who you want to vote for. Find out more about the candidates in your ward by visiting www.elections.org.za/pw/downloads/lge-ballots. Here you can generate a sample ballot for your ward so you can see who’s running. Just have your ward number at hand when you do so.
On voting day, depending where you live, you will receive two or three ballots:
If you live in a local municipality, you will get the following three ballot papers:
- A yellow ballot to vote for a political party to represent you on the Local.
- A grey ballot to vote for a candidate to represent your ward – your ward councillor.
- A green ballot to vote for a political party to represent you on the District Council.
If you live in a metropolitan area, you will receive the following two ballots:
- A yellow ballot to vote for a political party to represent you on the Metropolitan Council.
- A grey ballot to vote for a candidate to represent your ward on the Metropolitan Council.
Watch the video below:
You may still be thinking: “What’s the point of voting – my vote won’t make a difference?”
Your vote will always matter. Your local municipality is there to make sure that the community has basic services. Your local municipality is also responsible for the wellbeing of your community. So vote and take part in deciding who might best serve your community in the municipality.
It’s not too late to be an active citizen. Here’s how:
- Encourage everyone in your community to make an informed vote.
- Vote for someone who you think might best serve your community in the municipality.
- Hold them accountable to their promises.
Your X will leave a mark. Shape your community with your vote by voting on 1 November 2021 at the voting station where you’re registered between 7am to 9pm. Remember to mask up and to bring your South African ID.
Want to learn more about voting in the municipal elections? It’s easy!
- Drop us a ‘Hi’ on 0600 88 0000 via WhatsApp.
- Call our helpline on 0800 11 8000
- Visit
Brought to you by the Electoral Commission of South Africa