Programme Director;
Co – Chairpersons of the NATJOINTS, Lt General Sangweni (SANDF) and SSA Representative;
Members of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS);
Members of the media;
Ladies and gentlemen;
Good evening. We address this media briefing tonight following the briefing by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), which has just concluded. While the IEC has provided an account of the electoral preparations and the administration of the electoral process, our responsibility as NATJOINTS is to complement this briefing by focusing specifically on security readiness. Tonight we affirm the preparedness of the Security Cluster, to provide an update on the security environment during the two days of special voting and assure the South Africans that the necessary operational measures are in place to facilitate free, fair and safe Local Government Elections tomorrow, 4 November 2026.
On Sunday, 1 November 2026, NATJOINTS briefed on the state of security readiness ahead of the commencement of special voting. This evening, we return to provide an update on the progress made, account for incidents reported during the special voting period and reaffirm the operational readiness of law enforcement agencies and all relevant government departments to execute their responsibilities tomorrow on Election Day.
The coordination between NATJOINTS and PROVJOINTS remains fully activated, with continuous monitoring of the security environment across all provinces, districts and municipalities. Our operational structures are positioned to respond to any eventuality that may threaten the integrity of the electoral process or the safety and security of voters, IEC officials, political party representatives and members of the public.
Members of the media, we wish to strongly reiterate that tonight at Midnight (3 November 2026) marks the end of the official election campaigning period, in accordance with the electoral timetable. Therefore from tomorrow, no campaigning will be permitted. There must be no political persuasion, solicitation or intimidation of voters at or around voting stations. Every eligible voter must be afforded the opportunity to exercise their democratic right freely, without undue influence, intimidation or interference from any political party or individual. Equally important is the prohibition of protests on Election Day.
We wish to make it clear that any person found contravening Section 76 of the Municipal Electoral Act 27 of 2000, or any other applicable provision of the law, will be dealt with accordingly. Our intention as law enforcement agencies is not to prevent people from exercising their constitutional and democratic rights. On the contrary, our deployment is intended to create an environment in which every South African can safely access a voting station and cast their vote without fear, intimidation or disruption. To this end, the security environment during the two days of special voting recorded incidents that required the attention of our law enforcement agencies and operational response.
Of particular concern is the killing of an uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party regional leader in KwaZulu-Natal. We are confident that the investigating team will pursue available leads to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. The Political Killings Task Team is also seized with these matters and will provide the necessary investigative support.
We wish to use this opportunity to call on all political parties, their leadership, members and supporters to exercise political tolerance and restraint. Political differences must never translate into violence, intimidation or the loss of lives. We further caution anyone who may be contemplating acts of violence, assassination or any other criminal activity during this electoral period that our law enforcement agencies remain vigilant and will act decisively against criminal conduct.
These attacks and killings, reinforces the need for heightened vigilance and a strengthened operational posture. Police and other law enforcement agencies will act decisively to ensure law and order, no excuses will be entertained when crime is committed. We have accordingly intensified our security measures in line with the approved operational plan, with particular attention to areas identified through intelligence assessments as requiring increased security interventions.
Our approach remains proactive, intelligence-driven and responsive to emerging threats. We will not allow criminal elements to exploit the electoral period to destabilise communities, intimidate voters or undermine the democratic process.
Members of the media, we further noted the unfortunate passing of an IEC presiding officer in Buhrmansdrift, in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District in North West. The circumstances surrounding this death is being investigated by the police to establish the cause. In this regard, contingency plans were activated to attend to the special voting processes when the voting station closed, to allow space for thorough processing of the scene.
The voting station will be activated and fully operational for the voting day tomorrow.
Furthermore, a total of 21 case dockets were recorded since Monday to date, which includes murder and other cases of theft involving banners, tents, removal of posters arson, intimidation and other cases related to theft and defacing of election material amongst others. Five of the case dockets have been processed to court. Out of the 21 registered case dockets 6 suspects were arrested.
The breakdown the arrests are as follows:
- 2 suspects arrested on the case of impersonating an IEC official at Ingcobo in the Eastern Cape,
- 1 suspect arrested on the case of destroying of election material, in Mmametlake in Mpumalanga
- 1 suspect arrested for Malicious Damage to Property in Pienaar, Mpumalanga
- 1 suspect arrested for Taking a photograph of a ballot paper in Christina, North West
We recognise that these incidents have caused concern, particularly as the country approaches Election Day. However, we wish to assure South Africans that every incident brought to the attention of our operational structures is receiving the necessary attention and that appropriate interventions are being implemented.
Programme Director, Through NATJOINTS, we have undertaken security and operational readiness assessments across government departments to ensure that all critical services required for operational execution of elections are available. This includes the provision of essential services such as electricity and water at voting stations, as well as the availability of the necessary infrastructure and support services to enable IEC officials and security personnel to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
We have noted media reports concerning electricity interruptions affecting some municipalities in provinces over the past two days. We wish to give an assurance that these matters have received attention through the relevant government departments and coordinating structures. The identified challenges have been attended to, and contingency measures are in place to address any further disruptions that may arise.
Members of the media, Tomorrow is an important day in our country’s democratic journey. The responsibility of the Security Cluster is to ensure that this process takes place in a safe, secure and peaceful environment. We have therefore deployed adequate personnel and resources across the country, guided by intelligence assessments and operational requirements in identified policing precincts.
We are not approaching Election Day without challenges or without an appreciation of the risks that may arise.
Our operational planning has taken into consideration the prevailing security environment, historical incidents, intelligence information and potential threats that could affect the electoral process.
We have contingency measures in place to ensure that any emerging situation is addressed promptly and that the safety of voters and the integrity of the electoral process are not compromised.
We appeal to all South Africans to play their part in ensuring peaceful elections. Exercise your democratic right to vote, respect the rights of others, refrain from spreading misinformation, avoid acts of intimidation and comply with the laws of the country.
The success of the elections is a collective responsibility. While the Security Cluster will fulfil its mandate, the cooperation of political parties, communities, traditional leaders, civil society and every eligible voter remains essential.
As we conclude, we wish to reiterate that NATJOINTS, together with the nine PROVJOINTS and all participating government departments and law enforcement agencies, remains fully committed to delivering on its mandate.
Our state of readiness remains at the highest operational level, with the necessary capacity, resources, coordination and contingency arrangements in place to secure the 2026 Local Government Elections.
We are ready to execute our responsibilities and to ensure that South Africans can exercise their democratic rights in a peaceful, safe and secure environment.
I THANK YOU!!
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