The clock is ticking for political parties and independent candidates ahead of South Africa’s 2026 local government elections. Candidate nominations close at 5pm on Friday, 28 August, and the IEC says there will be no late submissions or corrections after the deadline. Africa Melane speaks to IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo about what parties need to get right, why the timetable cannot simply be extended, what happens to candidate lists after Friday.

Early Breakfast with Africa Melane is 702’s and CapeTalk’s early morning talk show. Experienced broadcaster Africa Melane brings you the early morning news, sports, business, and interviews politicians and analysts to help make sense of the world. He also enjoys chatting to guests in the lifestyle sphere and the Arts. All the interviews are podcasted for you to catch-up and listen. 
 
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