The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) has completed its second draft of municipal ward boundaries in preparation for the 2026 Local Government Elections. Notices regarding these determinations have been published in the respective Provincial Gazettes.
In accordance with the Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998 (schedule 1), any person aggrieved by the current ward determinations may submit written objections to the Board within 14 days of the publication date of the relevant Provincial Gazette.
This is the final opportunity for members of the public to participate in shaping the boundaries of their wards before they are finalized.
Submission of objections:
Written objections can be submitted via email to the following address:
registry@demarcation.org.za
The gazettes can be accessed on the MDB website: www.demarcation.org.za
What about the cases that were deffered and resolved in August 2025?
In the 2023/2024 municipal boundary re-determination process, 13 cases affecting 19 municipalities were deferred for further investigation.
After extensive research and stakeholder engagement, the MDB has resolved not to re-determine any municipal boundaries at this time. This is in line with Circulars 3 of 2025. The Ward delimitation process has commenced for the 19 municipalities listed below in preparation for the 2026 local government elections.
municipal boundaries at this time. This is in line with Circulars 3 of 2025. The Ward delimitation process has commenced for the 19 municipalities listed below in preparation for the 2026 local government elections.
The 19 municipalities are as follows:
Eastern Cape Province
• Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality
• Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality
• Blue Crane Local Municipality
• Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality
Free State Province
• Maluti a Phofung Local Municipality
• Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality
Kwa-Zulu Natal Province
• Msunduzi Local Municipality
• Richmond local Municipality
Limpopo Province
• Polokwane Local Municipality
• Blouberg Local Municipality
• Molemole Local Municipality
• Musina Local Municipality
• Thulamela Local Municipality
• Collins Chabane Local Municipality
• Makhado Local Municipality
• Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality
• Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality
Mpumalanga Province
• City of Mbombela Local Municipality
Kwa-Zulu Natal Province
• JB Marks Local Municipality
Here’s what to do:
Public consultations for these municipalities commenced in September 2025.
Members of the community will have an opportunity to propose how their wards should be configured.
The second draft for these municipalities will be published in October 2025.
Members of the community will have 14 days to submit objections. Members are encouraged to be on the lookout for publication in the provincial gazettes.
Why ward changes matter:
Wards are delimited every five years ahead of the local government elections. By participating in the ward delimitation process, members of the community help shape responsive, inclusive and accountable local government.
Once the process is finalised, the final wards are handed over to the Electoral Commission (IEC) to prepare for the local government elections.