Security tightened ahead of South African local results announcement
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on SABC News
South Africa’s electoral commission has tightened security around its operations centre in Midrand ahead of the announcement of the 2026 local election results. The results are expected at 6pm, before a wait of at least two weeks to learn the outcome in councils without a majority, according to SABC News.
Security was tightened on Sunday 8 November around the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) results operations centre in Midrand, ahead of the announcement of the South African local election results, expected at 6pm. The South African Police Service (SAPS) K9 Explosives Unit inspected the site, while SAPS mounted units and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) patrolled the area, according to SABC News.
IEC officials and their support teams were also preparing the equipment needed for the announcement. Supporters of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) gathered near the entrance singing struggle songs, while police attempted to move them away from access to the centre, reports SABC News.
After the announcement, at least two weeks will be needed before the final outcome of municipal councils without a clear majority is known. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is also expected at the announcement ceremony, according to SABC News.
