Government has welcomed voter participation in the 2026 Local Government Elections, describing long queues at voting stations as a sign of democracy in action.
Deputy Government spokesperson William Baloyi urged voters to remain patient and follow IEC guidelines as millions of South Africans cast their ballots on Wednesday.
The IEC reported a record 29.2 million registered voters across 23 696 voting stations, which opened at 7am and are scheduled to close at 9pm. Voters still in queues at closing time will be allowed to vote.
Government also reminded voters that photographing marked ballot papers is prohibited to protect the secrecy of their votes.
Meanwhile, Home Affairs remained open to assist voters with identity document collections and Temporary Identity Certificates.
President Cyril Ramaphosa and his wife, Dr Tshepo Motsepe, also cast their votes at a voting station in Hyde Park, Johannesburg.
Election Day was declared a public holiday to allow South Africans to exercise their democratic right.
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