By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
It’s official: the 2021 local government elections will be held on 1 November.
At a press briefing on Wednesday, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma confirmed the date.
She said she “accepted the ConCourt’s order to set aside” her October proclamation of the election date.
While the election date is set down for 1 November, a proclamation will be made on 20 September after voter registration weekend.
“We could have chosen the originally proclaimed day of the 27th of October 2021, but we have chosen the most outer date as the IEC [Electoral Commission of South Africa] indicated that it will need as much time as possible to prepare for the elections.
“These elections are important in advancing our young democracy. They mark the 21st anniversary since the establishment of a democratic local government system in our country.
“This sphere of government remains the hope of our people as the sphere closest to them and is in the coal face of service delivery,” Dlamini-Zuma added.
She said political parties would be allowed campaign, within restrictions.
“We are currently on Level 3 and as the numbers go down, the president will make a determination.”
Dlamini-Zuma confirmed President Cyril Ramaphosa was still busy with consultations relating to the easing of restrictions.
The minister also cautioned the public about the extraordinary time during which the upcoming elections would take place, given the COVID-19 pandemic.