Wednesday, November 4, Declared Public Holiday (

The South African government has declared Wednesday, November 4, 2026, a nationwide public holiday to enable citizens to participate in the country’s forthcoming local government elections.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the declaration, saying the election day would be observed as a public holiday throughout the country in accordance with Section 2A of the Public Holidays Act of 1994.

The declaration is aimed at giving registered voters sufficient opportunity to exercise their democratic rights and participate in choosing local representatives who will influence governance and service delivery in their communities.

Ramaphosa urged eligible voters to take advantage of the holiday to turn out en masse and perform their civic responsibility during the local government elections.

The President also reminded voters that they would only be permitted to cast their ballots at polling stations in the wards where they registered.

He further cautioned that voters travelling outside their registered wards would not be allowed to transfer their voting rights to polling stations in other locations.

Ramaphosa also called on employers across South Africa to make adequate arrangements to enable workers to exercise their constitutional right to vote on November 4.

The declaration makes Wednesday a public holiday across all provinces of South Africa, with businesses and employers expected to make necessary adjustments to their operations.

Sources: South African Presidency and SAnews.