The political contest for control of Sol Plaatje Municipality in Kimberley is heating up, with parties like the Sol Plaatje Service Delivery Forum positioning themselves as serious players ahead of the local government elections.

After winning two National Assembly seats and one Gauteng Legislature seat in the 2024 National and General elections, Build One South Africa (BOSA) will for the first time contest the Local Government Elections on November 4.

For the 2026 South African Local Government Elections, independent candidates are a relatively small but interesting part of the contest. The IEC has certified 621 independent ward candidates out of over 136 000 nationally. Independents can contest ward seats, but not PR seats. Abel Tau is an independent candidate who has joined forces with the United Progressive People Alliance, contesting the upcoming polls

A new political party, Born To Win, is expected to contest in the Polokwane Municipality. The party is led by Boy Mamabolo - a former ANC MP who left the party after being left out as an MP in the previous elections. The party is expected to address service delivery challenges and unresolved matters in the area. For more, let's cross to our reporter Katlego Nyoni in Polokwane.

The IFP launches its 30-day election countdown in Durban today. Party President Velenkosini Hlabisa is addressing supporters as preparations intensify.

The ANC National Working Committee is in the Eastern Cape reporting back to structures and communities on the non registration of canddates to IEC. SABC News reporter Sidima Mfeku is covering the story and joins us now.

SACP launches Red October campaign in Eastern Cape

Parties, independents to sign electoral code in Mbombela