ELECTION NEWS - Voters across the Southern Cape headed to the polling stations from early on Wednesday morning, 4 November, to make their mark in the 2026 local government elections.
Group Editors’ journalists have been out and about since 07:00, visiting polling stations in George, Mossel Bay, Knysna, Oudtshoorn and Riversdale to capture the atmosphere and keep the readers informed as election day unfolds.
Early reports point to a largely peaceful start, with long queues at several voting stations, a few technical hiccups and voters eager to have their say in the future of their communities.
George
Bright sunshine welcomed the voters in George, where the voting appeared to be proceeding smoothly and peacefully during the early morning.
Wilderness was quiet, while the voters had already gathered outside the polling stations in Denneoord and Pacaltsdorp, and fairly long queues were forming.
At Kidstop in Borcherds, some initial electronic problems were quickly resolved. Presiding officer Monchesray King said the queues were manageable, and the voters entered the premises shortly after arriving. She expects the busiest periods to be early morning and late afternoon, when working residents head to the polls.
Charlton Potts and George Vogels made it to their voting station at Kidstop, Borcherds, in George. Photo: Michelle Pienaar
Mossel Bay
Mossel Bay residents were out in numbers, and long queues were reported in Mossel Bay central, Heiderand, Reebok and Dana Bay.
Voting started slightly later than expected in Dana Bay, while delays were also reported at the D’Almeida Community Hall, where the voters had been waiting since 07:00.
Residents in the Reebok area wait to cast their votes. Photo: Linzetta Calitz
Voters at the Mossel Bay Town Hall. Photo: Michelle Reyneke
Knysna
The voting was proceeding peacefully in Knysna, with residents steadily arriving at polling stations, including Sunridge Primary, Hornlee Community Centre, Knysna Town Hall, the Dutch Reformed Church’s hall, Masifundi Library and Chris Nissen School.
No incidents had been reported during the early morning. Music at some polling stations added to the relaxed atmosphere.
Residents queue at the Dutch Reformed Church in Fitchet Street, Knysna, to cast their votes. Photo: Hugo Redelinghuys
Oudtshoorn
In Oudtshoorn and Dysselsdorp, some polling stations had a relatively quiet start, while long queues formed early at Fezikele High School and the De Jager sports complex.
In Bongolethu, voters were already queuing before 07:00. Political parties were also present at their stalls outside voting stations, while election officials were helpful and accommodating towards the media.
Voters in Dysselsdorp, Oudtshoorn, queued at Kolping House from early in the morning to cast their votes. Photo: Louise Mouton
Residents of Bongolethu in Oudtshoorn were up early to cast their votes at Fezikele High School. Photo: Hannes Visser
Riversdale
The voting got off to a smooth start in Riversdale, where residents arrived early to cast their ballots.
Initial observations indicated that the voting was proceeding without major disruptions, and that there was a sense of excitement among the residents eager to make their voices heard.
Martha Geduld and Johanna May from Riversdale have just cast their votes. Photo: Ben Snyman
Stay informed with Group Editors
Keep an eye on the websites and Facebook pages of George Herald, Mossel Bay Advertiser, Knysna-Plett Herald, Oudtshoorn Courant and Suid-Kaap Forum for election day updates, photographs and developments from your community.
Election results will be published from 06:00 on Thursday 5 November.
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