South Africa’s race for local government power is officially taking shape, with more than 142 000 candidates entering the contest for just over 10 000 councillor seats.

The Electoral Commission has announced that 142 072 candidates were nominated before last Friday’s deadline to contest 10 526 seats in municipalities across the country during the November 4, 2026 Local Government Elections.

The figures were released during an IEC media briefing in Pretoria on Wednesday, outlining the outcome of the candidate nomination process.

Channel Africa’s Reporter Michael Mbewe filed this report.

South Africa&rsquo;s race for local government power is officially taking shape, with more than 142 000 candidates entering the contest for just over 10 000 councillor seats.
The Electoral Commission has announced that 142 072 candidates were nominated before last Friday&rsquo;s deadline to contest 10 526 seats in municipalities across the country during the November 4, 2026 Local Government Elections.
The figures were released during an IEC media briefing in Pretoria on Wednesday, outlining the outcome of the candidate nomination process.
Channel Africa&rsquo;s Reporter Michael Mbewe filed this report.

An English news and current affairs wrap with a fresh take on the day’s top stories, hosted by the seasoned journalist Tsepiso Makwetla.

An English news and current affairs wrap with a fresh take on the day&rsquo;s top stories, hosted by the seasoned journalist Tsepiso Makwetla.

Africa Hour

Africa World Hour 

South Africa's local government race powers up

The Tunisian government has systematically cracked down on civil society groups and their members since 2024, effectively shutting down much of the vibrant civic space that emerged after the 2011 revolution.

This is according to a Human Rights Watch report released on Wednesday. The rights organisation says the authorities should immediately end their crackdown on civil society and allow civic groups to operate fully and freely.

Nhlanhla Mahlangu reports.

The Tunisian government has systematically cracked down on civil society groups and their members since 2024, effectively shutting down much of the vibrant civic space that emerged after the 2011 revolution.
This is according to a Human Rights Watch report released on Wednesday. The rights organisation says the authorities should immediately end their crackdown on civil society and allow civic groups to operate fully and freely.
Nhlanhla Mahlangu reports.

Tunisian government cracks down on civil society groups

Researchers, policymakers and safety experts from more than 80 countries are gathering in Cape Town for the 16th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion under the theme, "Ubuntu: United for a Safer Future."

The conference is being held in Africa for the first time in two decades and comes 30 years after the World Health Assembly recognised violence as a major global public health problem. With injuries and violence still responsible for more than 4.4 million deaths globally each year, the conference will examine how governments, communities, businesses and civil society can work together to build safer societies.

Mpho Sithole spoke to Dr Gustaaf Wolvaardt, Founder of the Foundation for Professional Development, about why this conference matters, why it is being hosted in Africa, and whether a whole-of-society approach can make a meaningful difference.

Researchers, policymakers and safety experts from more than 80 countries are gathering in Cape Town for the 16th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion under the theme, "Ubuntu: United for a Safer Future."
The conference is being held in Africa for the first time in two decades and comes 30 years after the World Health Assembly recognised violence as a major global public health problem. With injuries and violence still responsible for more than 4.4 million deaths globally each year, the conference will examine how governments, communities, businesses and civil society can work together to build safer societies.
Mpho Sithole spoke to Dr Gustaaf Wolvaardt, Founder of the Foundation for Professional Development, about why this conference matters, why it is being hosted in Africa, and whether a whole-of-society approach can make a meaningful difference.

16th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion kicks off

Former South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Thami Mseleku, says journalists should strive to understand the wider context behind the stories they report.

Mseleku was speaking at the MTN Media Innovation Summit at the University of Johannesburg. The two-day summit is exploring the evolving relationship between South Africa and Nigeria, two of Africa’s largest economies, and ways of strengthening understanding and social cohesion between their people.

Channel Africa’s Thuto Ngobeni has more.

Former South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Thami Mseleku, says journalists should strive to understand the wider context behind the stories they report.
Mseleku was speaking at the MTN Media Innovation Summit at the University of Johannesburg. The two-day summit is exploring the evolving relationship between South Africa and Nigeria, two of Africa&rsquo;s largest economies, and ways of strengthening understanding and social cohesion between their people.
Channel Africa&rsquo;s Thuto Ngobeni has more.

South Africa's local government race powers up

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