Municipal Elections 2016: Recent Episodes
SABC News and Current Affairs
President Jacob Zuma was full of praise for the manner in which the elections were conducted. In reference to the protests that preceded the elections. The president expressed a wish that the concerns of the electorate will be addressed by the new incumbents...
The ANC in the Western Cape says the local government election results are a wake up call for the party. Not only was the Democratic Alliance victorious in the City of Cape Town but the party managed to penetrate traditional ANC strongholds such as Khayelitsha. The DA managed to increase its votes by more than six percent in the Cape Metro.
With 80 percent of the national votes counted, the ANC leads with 53.6 percent - a decline of almost 8 percent compared to the 2011 local poll. The DA showed a improvement of almost 4 percent to 27.4 percent. But it is still a fight for control of the big metro's. The DA is leading in the Nelson Mandela Bay metro with 49.5 percent, followed by the ANC with 39,3 percent. It is also a tight race in Tshwane and Johannesburg where the ANC and DA are neck and neck.
IFP leader, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, says that the youth have played a significant role in the election period. The IFP is currently trailing in second place with 22-percent in KZN, while the ANC is leading with 54 percent. According to the IEC results system, the IFP won fifty-four percent of Nkandla, the area in which the private home of President Jacob Zuma is situated. Buthelezi was speaking at the IEC results centre in Durban...
There have been scenes of jubilation at the DA's table at the IEC Results centre in Pretoria with the announcement that the party has the majority in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality - with 90 percent of votes declared. However the DA has just fallen short of outright control of the Metro - garnering 49-point five percent of the vote. The ANC trails with 39 percent and the EFF finished with just under five percent. The DA may now form a coalition with another party to run the metro. DA leader Musi Maimane ...
ANC Gauteng chairperson, Paul Mashatile says they are counting on the township voteS to help them retain City of Johannesburg and Tshwane.
The Economic Freedom Fighters are tipped to be king makers in Tshwane and City of Johannesburg. But EFF acting chairperson in Gauteng, Mandisa Mashego says the EFF is not opposed to coalition governance but it will not go into partnership with the ruling party.
DA Johannesburg regional chair, Khume Ramulifho says their efforts are reflective of the results.
The results for the first voting district in the 2016 local government elections have been released. Results have been declared for the voting district Mistly Farm at Komga in the Great Kei municipality. Three candidates are contesting the ward and they belong to the following parties.
IEC Gauteng Provincial Electoral Officer, Masego Sheburi says voting went well in Gauteng, with no major incidents reported.Sheburi says they are expecting the initial results to trickle in around 10pm on Wednesday evening.
The leaders of most of the main political parties have already made their crosses next to their parties. President Jacob Zuma went to his home town, Nkandla in KwaZulu-Natal.
So today it's all about the hashtags - #LGE2016 has been trending this week and clearly online platforms are the preferred way of expressing emotions on this Election Day. Online is also where South Africans choose to access latest news and results. And so this year, the SABC Digital News team, has for the first time, made public their up-to-the-second results system which is availabe on www.sabc.co.za. Executive Producer for SABC Digital News, Aasra Bramdeo explains the high tech features on the website.
Former President Kgalema Motlanthe says there is no excuse for registered South Africans not to vote. Motlanthe was speaking as he was preparing to cast his vote at the Killarney Country Club north of Johannesburg.
President Jacob Zuma says the peaceful nature of the country's fifth local government elections is a sign that South Africa's democracy is coming of age. He was speaking after casting his vote at his home village of Nkandla in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The President was accompanied by his wives Ma-Khumalo, Thobeka Madiba-Zuma and Bongi Ngema-Zuma.
Mcebisi Ndletyana says the upcoming elections will give everyone an opportunity to judge the Economic Freedom Fighters among many other issues that have characterised the 2016 local government elections.
Political Analyst, Zamikhaya Maseti, has criticised what he terms the 'expropriation act' by opposition parties, mentioning as an example the DA's decision to use 'Madiba's dream' in their elections campaining.
Political Analyst, Dumisani Hlophe, says the DA, by using the Nelson Mandela in their elections campaign, has disowned its white heritage.
A second voter has died after collapsing in the queue. This time at the Ingwe Local Municipality in southern KwaZulu-Natal.
SAFM- Party manifestos and campaigns have not focused on issues affecting the youth in South Africa. This is the view of a researcher in Political Science at Monash South Africa, Busisiwe Khaba. Speaking ahead of local government elections, Khaba says the focus on youth issues is somewhat distorted.
SAfm — The South African National Defence Force - SANDF - will provide logistical support to the police at 650 identified hot spots in the country during Wednesday's municipal elections. This emerged during a media briefing conducted by the security cluster in Vuwani. Vuwani has been identified as one of the hot spots. Residents embarked on a three months long boycott of services that has seen at least thirty schools and other property set alight by the protesters. Acting National Police Commissioner, Kgomotso Phahlane, says law enforcement agencies will make sure that citizens who want to go and cast their votes do so without fear.
SAfm — The major political parties have gone all out in campaigning for this year's municipal elections. Expenditure by parties on poll campaigns has come under the spotlight after ANC elections head of campaign Nomvula Mokonyane revealed that the ruling party spent R1-billion on its campaign. EFF leader Julius Malema also disclosed that his party spent less than R10-million on its election campaign. Over the weekend the Sunday Times reported that the DA forked out more than R350-million in their campaign.
SABC Digital News - The IEC says all preparations are in place for free and fair elections on Wednesday. Polls will be open from 7am to 7pm. Speaking from the IEC Results Operations Centre in Pretoria, Chairperson Glen Mashinini has called on all IEC staff to uphold rules and regulations:
SABC Digital News- Gauteng Premier David Makhura says parties have done their part however Wednesday is all about the voter. Makhura was speaking to the SABC at the IEC Gauteng provincial centre in Auckland Park, Johannesburg.
SABC Digital News - As much as SABC Television News is out in full force, Radio News plays even more integral part in covering the Local Government Elections due to its strong and wide reach. Radio journalists have a great love for immediacy. They work tirelessly to ensure that news reaches their listeners with accuracy. We catch up with Angie Kapelianis (Editor: Radio News Current Affairs), Krivani Pillay (Executive Producer for SAfm Current Affairs), Dumisani Ndimande (Executive Producer for Ukhozi FM Current Affairs) and Hendrik Martin (Senior Producer for RSG) at the Results Operations Centre in Pretoria.
SABC Digital News - Acting National Police Commissioner Kgomotso Phahlane comments on Security presence in Vuwani and other hot spots.
SABC Digital News - As South Africa counts down to the local government elections, the IEC has received a record 719 222 applications for special votes‚ including 315 597 - or 44% - of home visits and 403 625 - or 56% - for those who can't get to the polls tomorrow. Former IEC Chairperson Pansy Tlakula.
SABC Digital News - President Jacob Zuma tours IEC Election Broadcast Centre in Pretoria.
SAfm — President Jacob Zuma has assured the nation that tight security measures have been put in place to ensure that no criminal or violent incidents will mar Wednesday's local government elections. There are about 26 million voters who have registered for what has been termed as the most competitive and closely contested municipal polls since the advent of democracy in 1994. Presidential Correspondent Tshepo Ikaneng filed this report.
EFF spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi says the EFF is committed to provide sustainable jobs to South Africans.
SABC Digital News - It's not often that issues of freeness and fairness are raised in South Africa. But there have been some issues affecting trust in the Independent Electoral Commission. Dennis Kadima - Executive Director of the Electoral Institute of Sustainable Democracy in South Africa.
SABC Digital News - The province of KwaZulu-Natal has seen some political intolerance in the build-up to this year's municipal elections. For an update on the province's state of readiness. Ayanda Mhlongo has the latest from Durban.
SABC Digital News - Dr Zwelinzima Ndevu from the University of Stellenbosch discusses some of the major issues that have come up in the smaller municipalities.
SABC Digital News - A lot has been said about the major metropolitan municipalities during this election campaign. But there are also a huge number of rural municipalities. For a closer look at the prospects for different parties in some key municipal districts and metros, we are now joined by Independent analyst, Michael O' Donovan.
SABC DIGITAL NEWS - There are a few hours left of Day 1 of the 2016 Special Elections and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) says that they got off to a smooth and steady start. The IEC has indicated that a record high of 719 22 applications were approved this year. The IEC’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Mosotho Moepya explained that 403 625 special votes (which translates to 56 %) would be cast at voting stations around the country.
SABC Head of News and Current Affairs Nothando Maseko says they are ready to cover the elections.
SABC Digital News - This past weekend saw the last of the political rallies as parties took advantage of the weekend to draw thousands of supporters to rallies and major events across the countries. Independent Analyst, Michael O’Donovan, explains that campaigning itself will continue for the next two days however must stop on voting day itself.
SAfm — The DA in the North West has successfully appealed the decision by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to disqualify two of its ward candidates from contesting next week's local government elections. The IEC said the party submitted the candidates' names after the closing date of the 2nd June. However, the DA argued that they followed all the correct procedures. Sisi Segalo reports...
SAfm — Co-operative Governance Minister Des Van Rooyen and eight traditional leaders in the Vuwani area have signed an agreement under which government will start the process of re-determining the new municipality that will be established in Vhembe's boundaries two weeks after next week's election. The chiefs, for their part, have undertaken to restore normality in Vuwani. A three-month protest by residents opposed to their inclusion in the municipality has seen some violence and a service shutdown. One of the community leaders, Nsobo Sambo however says they are not part of the agreement. Pimani Baloyi reports...
SAfm — ACDP leader, Kenneth Meshoe has asked voters to vote for a party that promotes respect. Meshoe took his campaign to an old age home in Kraaifontein (outside Cape Town) where he told the elderly that his party is based on Christian moral values. He responded to DA and ANC statements that a vote for smaller parties is a wasted vote. Thandiswa Mawu reports...
SABC Digital News - The Independent Electoral Commission says it's monitoring threats of violence in Marikana in the North West. The area remains a hotspot after violence flared up in the area following the 2012 Marikana killings. The Unemployed Youth Forum have threatened to destabilise the elections if their demands for job opportunities at Lonmin Platinum mine, are not addressed. Sello Tatai reports.
SABC Digital News - The IEC is confident that elections will run smoothly across the country - even in volatile areas like Vuwani. Residents there have threatened to boycott next Wednesday's municipal polls, as they continue with their protest against a municipal demcarcation board decision to incorporate them into a new municipality. The IEC today launched its national results centre in Pretoria - saying it is ready to deliver the biggest local government election yet.
SABC Digital News - The Democratic Alliance has officially launched its new election campaign poster, in Pretoria. The poster urges people to honour former President Nelson Mandela's dream by voting for the DA. Party leader, Mmusi Maimane was accompanied by the DA Tshwane mayoral candidate - Solly Msimang.
Newsbreak — The Western Cape played host to Newsbreak's Election Debate Roadshow on the 16th of July from 1pm to 2pm. The pre-election debate was hosted by Newsbreak's Genevieve Lanka and produced by the team, Orrin Singh, Prabashini Moodley, Hoosen Ebrahim and Taresh Hareeparshad in our Durban Studios, led by Executive Producer, Salma Patel. This was the semi-final debate in Newsbreak's Election Debate Roadshow. Here is a podcast of that debate where it was evident that there is a huge divide between the rich and poor - is it just a case of a tale of two cities? Decide for yourself.
SABC Digital News -Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Des Van Rooyen says preparations for the 2016 Local Government Elections (LGE 2016) are on track.
Struggle icon Winnie Mandela says the ANC will survive the current turmoil. The party has been facing a number of controversies including court judgements, and internal tensions.
Newsbreak - Political parties thrash out issues affecting Chatsworth at the Nelson Mandela Chatsworth Youth Centre on the 3rd July 2016 - a month before the Local Government Elections on August the 3rd. Here is a podcast of that debate with a full panel of party representatives.
Newsbreak — The Election Debate Roadshow travelled to LAUDIUM to allow the community an opportunity to engage with local politicians and candidates before deciding WHO deserves their vote. Here is a podcast of that debate hosted by Newsbreak's Genevieve Lanka and team - Maya Jagjivan, Hoosen Ebrahim, Prabashini Moodley and Orrin Singh.
Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba says he will soon be announcing a plan to roll out a programme aimed at ensuring that eligible voters who have not collected their identity documents, are able to cast their votes in next month's local elections. Gigaba says more than 208 000 ID''s are lying uncollected at Home Affairs offices. The minister says the plan includes the extension of hours on Election Day.
The Independent Electoral Commission says special votes applications are running smoothly and efficiently.
SABC Digital News - Ahead of the August 3 poll, the focus is on the track record of municipalities and how they're spending their budgets. Audits for the 2014/2015 financial year give us a good indication and wasteful expenditure remains a huge concern. Chriselda Lewis compiled this report.
SABC Digital News - DA Leader Mmusi Maimane insists his party is well within its rights to use the voice of former President Nelson Mandela in its elections advertisement. Maimane was responding to a call by the former president's grandson and ANC MP Mandla Mandela that the DA takes down its youtube video.
SAfm — The EFF says it is ready to govern the beleaguered Tlokwe Local Municipality in the North West. Malema addressed hundreds of residents of Ikageng extension seven on a three day election campaign trail in the North West. The council has been embroiled in a protracted battle over legitimacy of the outcome of the last bi-election. Malema says his party is willing to work with the Tlokwe Independent candidates who are former ANC members and all the other political parties in Tlokwe except the ANC. Patrick Dintwa reports.
Political analyst Lindiwe Makhunga says NFP leader Zanele Magwaza-Msibi has nothing to lose if her party does not participate in the municipal elections.
About five thousand 247 candidates from across the North West province have been issued with certificates of participation on the coming municipal elections.
SABC Digital News- IEC deputy chairperson, Terry Tselane, says that political parties are expected to ensure that the environment surrounding election processes go smoothly. He was speaking during an IEC media briefing in Centurion, outside Pretoria. Two hundred political parties and just over sixty one thousand candidates will be contesting the upcoming August third poll. Tselane says that the commission hopes for free and fair election processes...
Newsbreak — The pre-election debate hosted in Malabar in Port Elizabeth on the 26th June 2016. The programme was hosted by Newsbreak's Genevieve Lanka.
Newsbreak — Newsbreak's Election Debate Roadshow travelled to Port Elizabeth on Saturday 25th June 2016, giving the youth a chance to voice their concerns ahead of the Local Government Elections on August the 3rd. Here is a podcast of that debate with panel members from the DA and the ANC. The EFF apologised at the 11th hour for being unable to attend the debate, even though they were invited to be part of the panel.
SABC Digital News- The DA, EFF and COPE have outlined their commitments should they be elected into power in the Mangaung Metro Municipality, based in Bloemfontein. The DA's James Lethuka, EFF's Kgotso Morapela and COPE’s Papi Kganare were speaking during a debate on the upcoming August 3 local government elections.
SABC Digital News- The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) has vowed to campaign to have ANC leadership that is reflective of the youthful nature of the country. The league held its commemoration of the June 16 Soweto Uprisings at the Kings Park Stadium in Durban where President Jacob Zuma was a keynote speaker. The event was also attended by past presidents Malusi Gigaba and Fikile Mbalula as well as its former convener, Mzwandile Masina. ANCYL President, Collen Maine, said the time has come for the old guard to make way for a new generation.
ANC mayoral candidate in the City of Cape Town, Xolani Sotashe, has admitted that the ANC in the Western Cape is facing some challenges in the run-up to the Local Government elections in August. The party took a lot of flak from disgruntled party members, over the candidates' list process. Political analysts say this will affect the ANC negatively during the elections.
SAfm — The country will head to the polls in the coming weeks to elect new municipal councillors. More than 200 political parties will be contesting the elections on the third of August. While service delivery remains the main issue that's dominating the election trail, other parties are using other issues to try and win votes. Zalene Merrington reports.
SABC Digital News- Protests are continuing in areas in and around Pretoria. They include Hammanskraal, Mamelodi, Soshanguve and parts of Pretoria West. The U.S. Diplomatic Mission to South Africa has warned U.S. citizens about what it calls spontaneous civil disruptions, including demonstrations and protests, that are occurring and may continue to occur before and during the election period in South Africa. In a statement, the U.S. has reminded its citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence - and has requested its citizens in South Africa to avoid large gatherings and demonstrations during the election period.
Refiloe Ntsekhe speaks on challenges of DA, including vandalism of posters, violence on members and abuse of state funds.
UDM leader Bantu Holomisa says there is an abus eof state funds in the lead-up to the elections and it affects smaller pol
The African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee and the Gauteng provincial leadership are expected to meet with Tshwane ANC branches in an effort to try to resolve the standoff in the city.
Tshwane's mayoral candidate Thoko Didiza has her work cut out for her. Didiza, who has vast experience in government and politics, has been formally announced as a contestant for one of the toughest metros in the country. She was a surprise candidate as the ANC agreed on her to counter tensions and rivalries in the region.
SAfm — Yesterday's Constitutional Court judgement has been widely welcomed - by the Independent Electoral Commission, government and political parties. The court has ruled that the IEC's failure to record all available voter addresses on the voter's roll is inconsistent with the rule of law obligations and is invalid. It has however suspended the invalidity order giving the IEC until June 2018 to furnish addresses for the voter's roll except in the case of Tlokwe where discrepancies must be corrected in time for the next by-elections. This allows the August 2016 local government elections to proceed. Senior Political reporter Busi Chimombe reports on reaction to the judgement.
SAfm — The local government elections will go ahead on the third of August despite the Constitutional Court's ruling that the IEC did not capture the voter's addresses correctly on the voter's roll. Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng has given the Electoral Commission 18 months to get its systems in order. Previously the Electoral Court wanted that the IEC provide addresses of registered voters. To give a perspective on this, we are joined on the line by Grant Masterson- he is the Programme Manager at the Electoral Institute for the Sustainability of Democracy in Africa (EISA).
The IEC in the North West say of the 5000 submissions for registration of potential candidates for the coming municipal elections, forty percent did not comply. This is because they failed to submit either their identity documents or signed forms accepting their nomination.
SAfm — The recent registration of ANC members as independent candidates for the forth-coming elections in North-West is posing problems for the ruling party. These include incumbent councillors and high-profile candidates whose names still appear on the candidate list of the governing party. The majority have registered with the IEC under the new Forum 4 Service Delivery. This is after some of them were reportedly left off the ANC list despite being the favourite candidates in their communities. Patrick Dintwa reports.
SAfm — Economic Freedom Fighters Deputy President, Floyd Shivambu, says his party will focus on building health care centres and government run creches for each municipal ward. He says this will not only improve service delivery but also create job opportunities. Shivambu was addressing hundreds of Zamdela residents in Sasolburg in the northern Free State as part of the EFF's municipal election campaign. Zamdela residents have in recent years sparked violent protests over poor service delivery and corruption in Metsimaholo Municipality. Noma Bolani reports...
SABC Digital News -The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) says it is concerned about the increase in political killings in the build up to the August local government elections.The body says of particular concern that these killings are occurring with regularity and that there have been few arrests and convictions of those responsible. SAHRC Commissioner, Dr Danny Titus.
SABC Digital News- With less than two months left before the upcoming Local Government Elections, many South African youths are still not decided on who to vote for. As Election Day draws near, the two most popular parties namely African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have launched their manifestos for the August 3rd poll, candidate lists have been submitted and parties are now preparing for intensive promotion of their manifestos. With so many parties registered for the elections, some youths in Johannesburg are yet to decide where they will be putting their mark next to.
SAfm- Following the August 3 local government election South Africa will see the total number of municipalities reduced from 278 to 257. This is aimed at improving the functioning of local authorities to fulfil the vision of municipalities that are sustainable, deliver efficient basic services, build local democracy and promote economic development. However, there are those that have been unhappy with the process charging that the views of local communities have not been adequately taken into account and that it has elements of political manipulation. Senior Political Reporter Busi Chimombe has more.
SABC Digital News- President Jacob Zuma delivered his key note address at the Mbombela Stadium, as ANC Mpumalanga launched its election manifesto on Sunday. Zuma called for unity ahead of the elections and said elected ANC councillors will be held accountable for every decision they take in the running of local municipalities. In his address Zuma sought to secure support from the black middle class, saying the ANC values their contribution to the development of the country.
SAfm- The ANC in Gauteng launched its local government election manifesto at the FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday. Tough election battles are expected for control over the Tshwane, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni metros. About 85 000 filled the FNB stadium in Soweto. Gauteng is expected to be hotly contested terrain as the opposition DA and the EFF intensify the campaign to take control of the country's economic powerhouse. Presidential Correspondent Tshepo Ikaneng reports.
SAfm -- There seems to be no amicable solution to bring stability at the troubled Mogalakwena local municipality in Mokopone outside Polokwane in Limpopo. The Mogalakwena Municipality has been plagued by political, administrative and court battles for the past four years. Operations at the municipality have been brought to a halt several times in the past four years as result of the conflict. On the panel was: ANC's Parks Sebetjane, DA's Solly Malatsi, the EFF's Jossey Buthane, UCDP 's Mpowele Swathe, COPE's Erik Mohlapamaswi and UDM's Matlatso Selomo.
SAfm — There are reports of uprisings across the country over ANC candidate lists for the local government elections. ANC members from different branches in Gauteng are reported to have gone to Luthuli House to protest, while others from Ekurhuleni are reported to have marched to Walter Sisulu House. The ruling party was expected to submit the names of its candidates Councillors to the IEC yesterday. We caught up with the ANC National Spokesperson Zizi Kodwa for more on this.
SABC Digital News- With just less than 48 hours left before the closing date for submitting party candidate lists, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has pleaded with political parties to submit their final lists for the upcoming municipal election. The IEC says there's been an increase in the number of independent candidates taking part in the elections. Deputy Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission Terry Tselane was interviewed on the SABC’s Question Time.
SAfm — The Democratic Alliance says it will go ahead with its plans to lodge a complaint with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), stating that the SABC has allegedly refused to air its election advertisement. In a statement, the DA says the SABC had informed the party that it had no available slots for political advertisements. The DA said the SABC blamed its refusal to air its adverts on delays in the IEC's work with respect to the elections. DA Leader Mmusi Maimane and SABC's spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago.
SAfm — Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected claims that the ANC is buying votes with food parcels through the Social Development Department's relief programme. Ramaphosa spoke during his oral reply session in the National Assembly. Parliamentary Correspondent, Mercedes Besent has more.
SABC Digital News- Co-operative Governance Minister Des van Rooyen has proclaimed the date of the local government election as August 3. Van Rooyen says they now hand over all matters relating to the elections to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) pending the Constitutional Court judgment on whether the addresses of the registered voters should be a requirement.
Safm-Monday marks the final day for voters to register for the coming local government elections. Co-operative Governance Minister Des van Rooyen will officially proclaim the August 3 polls, meaning the voters roll will be closed, and no additional registrations will be allowed thereafter. Voters have been urged to visit their local electoral commission offices before 5pm if they want to verify or update their details. Deputy Chief Electoral Officer at the IEC, Sy Mamabolo.
SAfm-Political parties have pledged not to incite violence, to respect voters and to abide by the electoral code. Opposition parties have also called on all stakeholders to do their part to ensure that elections are free of intimidation and violence ahead of this year's municipal elections. Political parties have pledged to abide by the Electoral code at the official signing of the electoral document in Johannesburg on Monday. Amos Phago has more.
SAfm-Far too many South Africans struggle to take ownership of their democracy, often due to the complexities and lack of understanding of local government structures.These are the views by Head of Advocacy and Special Projects at the Open Democracy Advice Centre, Alison Tilley, and Centre for Humanities Research professor at the University of the Western Cape, Professor Suren Pillay.
Today marks a year since Maimane was elected as the first Black Democratic Alliance (DA) leader at the party's Elective Congress in Port Elizabeth. Maimane joined the DA in 2010. The 35 year-old opposition leader who has been dubbed - Barrack Obama of Soweto, quickly rose through the leadership ranks of the DA. One of his first national leadership roles in the party was his election to the position of DA parliamentary leader in May 2014.
SABC Digital News - Chairperson of the Mthata Ratepayers and Residents Association Booi Malghas, another organisation which will be contesting the elections for the first time, says residents are experiencing similar problems in the King Sabata Dalinyebo Local Municipality.
SABC Digital News — Political parties are gearing up for the upcoming Local Government Elections, taking their election campaigns to different areas in the country. New logos will also feature on the ballot paper this year. One of the new contestants in the Senqu Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape is the Sterkspruit Civic Association (SCA). Founder of the organisation, Mfanelo Skwatsha.
SAFM- The Constitutional Court is still hearing an urgent application for leave to appeal concerning the obligation of the Electoral Commission to provide the addresses of registered voters to those contesting elections. The IEC wants the Con Court to urgently overturn an Electoral Court judgment which invalidated the voters roll because of a lack of addresses. The IEC argued that in many cases, voters themselves were unable to provide proof of residence. For an update on the hearing we are now joined on the line by Constitutional Court reporter, Candice Nolan.
SAfm - The Economic Freedom Fighters launched its election to a capacity full Orlando Stadium in Soweto. Party leader Julius Malema has announced a wide range of his party's commitments to the electorate. Malema launched his party's local government election manifesto to a packed Orlando stadium in Soweto on Saturday. The manifesto emphasised on the delivery of basic services, education and job creation amongst others
SAfm — President Jacob Zuma has urged Cosatu affiliated members to campiagn for the ANC during election time saying the governing party does not take its unity with the federation for granted. He was speaking at the federation's main May Day Rally in Mamelodi outside Pretroria on Sunday. The event was attended by all alliance partner members including Cosatu President Sdumo Dlamini, SACP's Blade Nzimande and SANCO President Richard Mdakane. Political Correspondent Ntebo Mokobo was there and filed this report.
Weekend AM Live — The country's 3rd biggest party is launching its election manifesto today aiming big. The Economic Freedom Fighters will be at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto gearing up for the August 3 municipal elections. SABC reporter, Amos Phago has more.
SABC Digital News — President Jacob Zuma says people need to vote for change if they are not happy with the current government.
SABC Digital News — The ANC's Zweli Mkhize stated that discussions will continue in the internal structures of the ANC to clarify challenges experienced in Port Elizabeth.
SAfm — The ANC says heads will roll following a disappointing showing at the party's local government elections manifesto launch in Port Elizabeth on Saturday. Many seats were empty as President Jacob Zuma addressed the party faithful at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium. Over a hundred thousand people were expected to attend. Senior Political Reporter Angela Bolowana reports.
SAfm-The governing party officially kick starts its municipal elections campaign today with a launch of its election manifesto. The African National Congress is hoping to win back lost voters across the country and stay in control in the country's seven out of eight metros. At its October National General Council - the party was worried about the loss of the support from black middle class, especially in the metros. The launch also comes as it battles to project a united voice over the Constitutional court ruling that found president Jacob Zuma failed to protect, uphold and defend the constitution. We spoke to Political Lecturer at NMMU and Phd candidate, Thando Nomarwayi and Professor Raymond Parsins from the NWU school of Business and Governance.
SAfm — It is an all-out battle for the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. Political parties are pulling out all the stops to wrestle the Eastern Cape municipality from the ANC. The party is launching its election manifesto this weekend. This in preparation for the August 3 elections. Mcebisi Ngqina reports.
SAfm — Co-operative Governance Minister Des Van Rooyen has condemned the violence reported at some voter registration stations over the weekend. The final day of registration for the municipal elections began with glitches as protests flared up in parts of the country. Bongi Gwala spoke to the Chief Electoral Officer at IEC , Mosotho Moepya
SAfm — Protesters have set alight two houses belonging to a community leader in Masakona village outside Vuwani in Limpopo. This comes after protesting residents accused him of being in favour of a newly-demarcated municipality that will see the merger of Vuwani and Malamulele. Forty-three out of 57 voter's registration centres were opened in LIM-345, the interim name for Malamulele and Vuwani. Witness Tiva reports
SAfm — The next local government Elections will be held in 17 weeks' time. President Jacob Zuma has announced August the third as the date when local elections will take place. In his statement, the President also encouraged the youth who would be voting for the first time, to register for the local elections during IEC's registration weekend. Bongi Gwala spoke to the Chief Electoral Officer of the IEC, Mosotho Moepya
SAfm — The Independent Electoral Commission says the voter registration weekend was a success. About a million people had visited polling stations around the country to register to vote in this year's upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE 2016).
SAfm — The IEC was prevented from conducting voter registration in the Vuwani area outside Thohoyandou in Limpopo. The protesting residents blockaded the roads and set alight a school and a spaza shop at Masakona village. Residents are opposed to the inclusion of their area in the newly planned municipality which also encompasses the Malamulele area. Our reporter Jabulani Baloyi reports.
SAfm — The DA and Independent Candidates in the Potchefstrooms beleaguered Tlokwe Local Municipality in the North West have lambasted the Independent Electoral Commission for its inconsistency in implementing the ruling of the Constitutional Court regarding verifying voters' residential addresses. They maintain the IEC is unable to meet its electoral obligations by continuing to function in the same manner that led to the postponement of the Tlokwe by-elections. Sentleeng Lehihi reports