ActionSA extends its deepest condolences to the families of all councillors and candidates who tragically lost their lives over the voter registration weekend.
Voter registration weekends are meant to strengthen democracy by giving citizens the opportunity to register and prepare to participate in upcoming elections. Instead, this weekend was marred by violence, with more than five councillors and candidates losing their lives.
In Cape Town, two candidates were killed. In the West Rand, two more candidates lost their lives, while in the Gqeberha a ward councillor was murdered. This is not the start anyone would have wanted as South Africa begins the road to the 2026 Local Government Elections.
We call on the South African Police Service and all relevant law enforcement agencies to prioritise these investigations and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice swiftly.
Political violence has no place in a constitutional democracy. Incidents like these not only rob families and communities of their loved ones, but also discourage citizens from participating in political life. Without active citizen participation, the urgent task of fixing South Africa becomes even more difficult.
ActionSA will continue to stand with the families of those who have lost their lives and will advocate for greater solidarity across the political spectrum to protect our democracy. The future of South Africa must not be shaped by fear, intimidation, and violence, but by greater participation, accountability, and the free exercise of democratic choice.
ActionSA Origins: Formed after Mashaba resigned from the DA.
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Fun South African Fact: Three different destinations make up South Africa’s capital cities. This is to represent the South African government being divided into three sections. Cape Town is the legislative capital, Pretoria is the administrative capital and Bloemfontein is the judicial capital. Interestingly, Parliament meetings take place for six months in Cape Town and six months in Pretoria.