Celebrities, politicians cast ballots in 2026 local government elections

Several prominent political figures, musicians and public personalities joined South Africans at voting stations on Wednesday as the country held its 2026 local government elections.

Among those who participated in the elections were African National Congress (ANC) top gun and Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) president Julius Malema, award-winning gospel singer Winnie Mashaba and Joburg mayoral candidate Ntsiki Mazwai.

Malema voted in Ward 13 at Mponegele Lower Primary School in Seshego Zone 1 in Polokwane.

Malema's participation comes as political parties and their leaders take part in the local government elections, which will determine the leadership of municipalities across the country.

Mashaba cast her ballot in Ward 22 in Polokwane.

Mazwai, who is contesting the Johannesburg mayoral position under the Land Party, also joined other voters in casting her ballot in Auckland Park, Joburg.

"It was so amazing to see the massive student turn out. I'm happy to see that young people are committed to our country. It was really heart warming. May today be the beginning of a new and beautiful era of our country," she said.

Former actor, record company executive and businessman Tshepo Nzimande also exercised his democratic right by casting his vote. Nzimande, who owned kaNzimande Funerals, voted at Igagasi Primary School in Spruitview in Ekurhuleni.

Also in Ekurhuleni, executive mayor Alderman Nkosindiphile Doctor Xhakaza cast his special vote at the Wynand Marais Community Centre in Ward 15, Kempton Park, on Monday.

The participation of well-known personalities comes as the country enters another important chapter in its local democratic process, with voters choosing councillors and political parties to represent them in municipalities.

The 2026 local government elections are being held across the country's municipalities, with political parties competing for control of councils and ward representation.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) confirmed that 136 790 candidates had been certified to contest the elections, representing political parties and independent candidates across the country.

The elections are taking place against the backdrop of ongoing concerns about service delivery, including water shortages, electricity, infrastructure maintenance and refuse removal. These are the issues that remain central to municipal governance.