Campaigning for South Africa’s local government elections officially ends Tuesday with voters set to go to the polls on Wednesday, November 4. Wednesday has been declared a public holiday so that every voter has the opportunity to make their mark.

Political parties held their final rallies over the weekend, making last appeals for support in contests focused on service delivery failures, water and electricity shortages, crumbling infrastructure, and municipal corruption. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the African National Congress'closing Siyanqoba rally in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, while the DA held its final event in Mamelodi, Tshwane, and the EFF concluded with a rally in Soweto. The MK Party and IFP also staged closing rallies in KwaZulu-Natal.

Security structures have warned that no campaigning, rallies, marches or political persuasion will be allowed on voting day. 

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure said any attempt to influence voters or disrupt proceedings on November 4 would constitute an offence under the Electoral Act.

Special voting began on Monday for approved voters, with the Electoral Commission reporting strong early participation. 

Nearly 29.2 million South Africans are registered to vote, though turnout is expected to remain relatively low following the 45.9% participation rate recorded in the 2021 local elections.

Analysts expect the results to produce coalition governments in most of the country’s eight metropolitan municipalities and many local councils, as no party is projected to secure a clear national majority. 

Service delivery performance is widely seen as the decisive issue for voters.

(With input from wires)