South Africa discusses subdued campaign ahead of local elections — TimesLIVE

In South Africa, ahead of local elections scheduled for November 4, 2026, the campaign is less visible than usual: there are fewer rallies, posters and traditional political events. This was discussed by the political team at TimesLIVE.

Changing voter approaches

Participants in The Political Arena considered whether voters are paying less attention to the spectacle of election campaigning and focusing more on issues important to their communities. They also discussed how effective familiar campaigning methods remain amid changes in the electorate.

More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.

Parties and coalitions

Topics of discussion included the African National Congress’s organizational difficulties, the Democratic Alliance’s electoral strategy, coalition politics and the growing influence of the MK party in KwaZulu-Natal province. Participants also discussed how voting results could change the country’s political landscape, affect municipalities and influence the positions of the largest parties in the political outlook through 2029.

The discussion featured Business Day political editor Hajra Omarjee, Sowetan editor Sibongakonke Shoba, TimesLIVE and Sunday Times digital political editor Lizeka Tandwa, and Sunday Times political reporter Kgothatso Madisa.