The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is preparing for the voter registration weekend on 20 and 21 June 2026, and political parties are intensifying their election campaigns ahead of the local government elections. While the IEC announced the first voter registration weekend, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has yet to gazette the date for the elections.
That has not stopped political parties, with several making strategic announcements at the weekend ranging from provincial leadership roles, all the way to mayoral candidates. Other parties are also on the brink of kickstarting their election processes. ActionSA announced the appointment of Dereleen James as the provincial chairperson in the Western Cape, following the party’s three-day Senate Strategic Planning meeting, where they brought together leaders from across South Africa to map out a focused and assertive election campaign.
Western Cape Elections
A respected and no-nonsense community activist, Dereleen James has consistently led efforts to confront crime, drug cartels and corruption, particularly on the Cape Flats, and will now spearhead the party’s growth and campaign in the province, according to ActionSA President, Herman Mashaba. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has been on a sustained effort, announcing mayoral candidates for the Western Cape, including radio star Henricus ‘Rickey G’ Gysman being announced as their Oudtshoorn candidate.
DA Western Cape Leader Tertuis Simmers said Gysman is not just any candidate; he is the heartbeat of the community. For 15 years, he has been the voice in many homes on the radio. He didn’t just speak, he listened. He didn’t just broadcast, he stood up. He is a beacon of hope for a community that longs for justice and opportunity. As a man who backs down for nothing and no one, he has already proven himself as a fearless fighter against injustice and a voice for the voiceless, as stated on the South African Government website.
Other Parties
The Patriotic Alliance has also been campaigning throughout the province, with its leader, Gayton McKenzie, also visiting the municipality last week while touting its candidates in by-elections. Unite for Change Leadership Council Member & GOOD Secretary-General, Brett Herron, said that they are making good progress. We have completed a rigorous process for our Joburg Mayoral Candidate, who we will announce in April. Other mayoral candidates will be announced in the coming weeks.
Here are some key points to consider:
- ActionSA has appointed Dereleen James as provincial chairperson in the Western Cape
- The Democratic Alliance has announced mayoral candidates for the Western Cape, including Henricus ‘Rickey G’ Gysman
- The Patriotic Alliance is campaigning throughout the province
- Unite for Change is making progress in selecting mayoral candidates
