Parliament of South Africa
Parliament of South Africa
05/13/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/13/2026 08:41
Media Statement: Standing Committee on Appropriations Satisfied With Budget Allocations for 2026 Local Government Elections
Parliament, Wednesday, 13 May 2026 - The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has assured the Standing Committee on Appropriations that its systems are ready to deliver the Local Government Elections, scheduled for 4 November 2026, within the allocated budget.
The committee today met with the IEC and the Department of Home Affairs to consider their financial readiness and operational plans for the elections.
On funding, the IEC said it has been allocated R3.2 billion for the current fiscal year to support the delivery of elections. Its focus will include strengthening voter registration to address the under-representation of certain demographic groups on the voters' roll. In addition, preparations are under way for candidate nominations and for the printing of ballot papers and related matters.
Committee members welcomed the IEC's readiness but noted that the 2026 elections will take place during the matric examination period and that schools are used as voting stations in some areas. The IEC replied that through consultation with the Department of Basic Education, there will be minimal disruptions to matriculants as the day will be designated as a public holiday. The committee Chairperson, Dr Mmusi Maimane, recommended that the IEC should intensify outreach programmes to encourage young people to register and vote, noting that voter turnout from young people is often very low.
Dr Maimane also urged the IEC to guard against disinformation on social media and that technological measures should be put in place to mitigate these threats. "The scale of the elections across 240 municipalities and their wards requires strong measures to mitigate cybersecurity risks."
Dr Maimane added that the issue also relates to broader election security, noting that in a previous engagement, the South African Police Service reported a shortfall of about 6 000 personnel, and that physical security challenges have occurred during past elections.
During the Department of Home Affairs briefing, committee members welcomed the work being done to counter corruption, particularly the issuing of fraudulent identity documents. The committee noted that corruption within the department contributes to broader migration-management challenges.
Committee members also raised concerns about persistent illegal migration, including instances where deported individuals return to South Africa and where some asylum seekers remain in the country after their applications have been rejected. The committee emphasised that Home Affairs is central to the state's response to illegal migration.
The committee reiterated that improved technology is critical to service delivery and enforcement. Members enquired about the use of drones and other technologies and asked what measurable benefits have been recorded to date.
Dr Maimane said Home Affairs is often associated with long queues and system downtime and welcomed budget allocations intended to address persistent offline challenges. He added that, alongside deportations and border management issues, the department must also give attention to lawful pathways for people who want to legalise their status in South Africa.
Furthermore, Dr Maimane cautioned that perceptions that South Africans do not welcome other Africans is wrong. He also noted that when compliance is overly difficult, individuals may attempt to work around the system through bribery.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS, DR MMUSI MAIMANE.
For media enquiries or interviews with the committee Chairperson, please contact:
Name: Jabulani Majozi (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 083 358 5224
E-mail: [email protected]
The committee today met with the IEC and the Department of Home Affairs to consider their financial readiness and operational plans for the elections.
On funding, the IEC said it has been allocated R3.2 billion for the current fiscal year to support the delivery of elections. Its focus will include strengthening voter registration to address the under-representation of certain demographic groups on the voters' roll. In addition, preparations are under way for candidate nominations and for the printing of ballot papers and related matters.
Committee members welcomed the IEC's readiness but noted that the 2026 elections will take place during the matric examination period and that schools are used as voting stations in some areas. The IEC replied that through consultation with the Department of Basic Education, there will be minimal disruptions to matriculants as the day will be designated as a public holiday. The committee Chairperson, Dr Mmusi Maimane, recommended that the IEC should intensify outreach programmes to encourage young people to register and vote, noting that voter turnout from young people is often very low.
Dr Maimane also urged the IEC to guard against disinformation on social media and that technological measures should be put in place to mitigate these threats. "The scale of the elections across 240 municipalities and their wards requires strong measures to mitigate cybersecurity risks."
Dr Maimane added that the issue also relates to broader election security, noting that in a previous engagement, the South African Police Service reported a shortfall of about 6 000 personnel, and that physical security challenges have occurred during past elections.
During the Department of Home Affairs briefing, committee members welcomed the work being done to counter corruption, particularly the issuing of fraudulent identity documents. The committee noted that corruption within the department contributes to broader migration-management challenges.
Committee members also raised concerns about persistent illegal migration, including instances where deported individuals return to South Africa and where some asylum seekers remain in the country after their applications have been rejected. The committee emphasised that Home Affairs is central to the state's response to illegal migration.
The committee reiterated that improved technology is critical to service delivery and enforcement. Members enquired about the use of drones and other technologies and asked what measurable benefits have been recorded to date.
Dr Maimane said Home Affairs is often associated with long queues and system downtime and welcomed budget allocations intended to address persistent offline challenges. He added that, alongside deportations and border management issues, the department must also give attention to lawful pathways for people who want to legalise their status in South Africa.
Furthermore, Dr Maimane cautioned that perceptions that South Africans do not welcome other Africans is wrong. He also noted that when compliance is overly difficult, individuals may attempt to work around the system through bribery.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS, DR MMUSI MAIMANE.
For media enquiries or interviews with the committee Chairperson, please contact:
Name: Jabulani Majozi (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 083 358 5224
E-mail: [email protected]
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