The politicians and candidates who were killed before November 4 elections

As South Africa prepares for crucial local government elections on November 4, 2026, political violence has surged, with at least 43 political assassinations reported between January and late October 2026, according to the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC). Among those targeted are Mozwakhile Zungu and Siyabonga Mabaso of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, Lungani Makhathini of the African National Congress, and Ernest Fipaza of the South African Communist Party/Anc Coalition. The latest victim is Michael Thulani Mbana of the Democratic Alliance.

In a strong condemnation, President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed grave concern over the killings of councillors and candidates ahead of the November 4 local government elections. Ramaphosa warned that such political violence poses a severe threat to South Africa’s democracy and emphasized the importance of the right for citizens to select their political representatives.

Addressing constituents during door-to-door campaigning in eMaGabheni, KwaZulu-Natal, Ramaphosa stated that the perpetrators are attempting to undermine the efficacy of their democracy.

Ramaphosa also urged the police to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for these murders, emphasizing that the country will not tolerate such acts of violence. He reiterated his call for the police to pursue accountability and ensure that the killers face justice, highlighting the need to protect the integrity of South Africa’s democratic institutions and electoral processes.