South Africans go to the polls on Wednesday 4 Nov to elect local government leaders, with control of the country's largest cities at stake. Basic services, unemployment and crime lead the agenda. The vote is a test of whether the ANC, which lost its parliamentary majority in 2024 and governs in a unity coalition with the Democratic Alliance, continues its electoral decline. Johannesburg, home to roughly five million people, has faced severe water outages since 19 Oct, with taps dry for at least 10 days in parts of the city. Special votes are cast on 2 and 3 Nov. Polling suggests turnout could fall below 50%.
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3 November 2026
The United States will suspend South Africa and Rwanda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act from 1 January 2027, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on 2 Nov. South Africa exported about $1.7 billion of goods to the US under the programme in 2025, down from $4 billion in 2024, and the trade ministry said it would support affected sectors. Greer cited trade and investment barriers, corruption and threats to US security and foreign policy interests. South Africa rejects a Trump administration claim that it persecutes white South Africans. Rwanda had no immediate reaction.
29 October 2026
The International Olympic Committee deadline of 31 Oct is approaching as South Africa has named Durban its preferred city to bid for the 2036 or 2040 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. Acting president Lwandile Simelane announced the choice on 30 Oct. The proposal will centre on the 56,000‑seat Moses Mabhida Stadium and could involve other South African cities. South Africa joins six other nations competing for the 2036 Games, with the IOC set to select the host in mid‑2029. Feasibility reviews are due by March 2027.