As South Africa (SA) prepares for what could be one of the most contentious Local Government Elections ever, key questions surround declining voter turnout, rising political fragmentation and the growing dominance of coalition governance.

With major battleground municipalities at stake and smaller parties positioned as potential kingmakers, the upcoming vote could fundamentally reshape the country's local political landscape. Special voting for the 2026 Local Government Elections got underway across the country this Monday. 

Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe filed this report.

As South Africa (SA) prepares for what could be one of the most contentious Local Government Elections ever, key questions surround declining voter turnout, rising political fragmentation and the growing dominance of coalition governance.
With major battleground municipalities at stake and smaller parties positioned as potential kingmakers, the upcoming vote could fundamentally reshape the country's local political landscape. Special voting for the 2026 Local Government Elections got underway across the country this Monday.&nbsp;
Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe filed this report.

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Fast-paced news and current affairs updates, dealing with topical issues &amp; breaking stories.

Africa Update

SA gears up for what could be one of the most contentious Local Government Elections ever

Today marks the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, which seeks to highlight the alarmingly high global impunity rate for violence against media professionals.

The Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) says it stands in full solidarity with journalists and other media workers across Africa. The day also honours those who have been killed, injured, detained, threatened or forced into exile because of their commitment to keeping the public informed and upholding the principles of journalism. This year, the day is observed "Threats Evolve. Impunity Endures. 

Lulu Gaboo spoke to Omar Faruk Osman, the President of the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ).

Today marks the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, which seeks to highlight the alarmingly high global impunity rate for violence against media professionals.
The Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) says it stands in full solidarity with journalists and other media workers across Africa. The day also honours those who have been killed, injured, detained, threatened or forced into exile because of their commitment to keeping the public informed and upholding the principles of journalism. This year, the day is observed "Threats Evolve. Impunity Endures.&nbsp;
Lulu Gaboo spoke to Omar Faruk Osman, the President of the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ).

International Day Calls for end to unpunished crimes against Journalists

South Africans will head to the polls on Wednesday, 4 November, for the 2026 Local Government Elections, amid growing discussion of possible coalition arrangements. With several major metropolitan municipalities potentially heading for hung councils, the African National Congress (ANC) and Democratic Alliance (DA) have indicated that their national leadership structures will oversee and approve post-election coalition agreements.

Approximately 29 million voters are registered for the elections, while special voting for approved applicants, including home visits for vulnerable citizens, takes place today and tomorrow, the 3rd of November.

Lulu Gaboo spoke to political analyst Dr Levy Ndou.

South Africans will head to the polls on Wednesday, 4 November, for the 2026 Local Government Elections, amid growing discussion of possible coalition arrangements. With several major metropolitan municipalities potentially heading for hung councils, the African National Congress (ANC) and Democratic Alliance (DA) have indicated that their national leadership structures will oversee and approve post-election coalition agreements.
Approximately 29 million voters are registered for the elections, while special voting for approved applicants, including home visits for vulnerable citizens, takes place today and tomorrow, the 3rd of November.
Lulu Gaboo spoke to political analyst Dr Levy Ndou.

Possible coalition talks start ahead of SAs Local Government Elections on the 4th of November 

On the sidelines of the third Russia-Africa Summit, Moscow indicated that it is open to facilitating direct mediation talks between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki. The proposal comes amid growing tensions between the two Horn of Africa neighbours, following a renewed escalation of conflict in northern Ethiopia. Addressing the summit, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that the prolonged deterioration in relations between the two countries poses a threat to regional stability. He urged both governments to resolve their differences through structured diplomatic engagement. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Dr Albanie Marcossy, a public policy, governance, and development specialist.

On the sidelines of the third Russia-Africa Summit, Moscow indicated that it is open to facilitating direct mediation talks between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki. The proposal comes amid growing tensions between the two Horn of Africa neighbours, following a renewed escalation of conflict in northern Ethiopia. Addressing the summit, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that the prolonged deterioration in relations between the two countries poses a threat to regional stability. He urged both governments to resolve their differences through structured diplomatic engagement. Lulu Gaboo spoke to Dr Albanie Marcossy, a public policy, governance, and development specialist.

SA gears up for what could be one of the most contentious Local Government Elections ever

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