Ramaphosa humbled by huge numbers of voters across the country

President Cyril Ramaphosa says he is humbled at the huge number of people who have lined up to cast their votes earlier today (Wednesday). Over 29 million South Africans have registered to vote in the country’s seventh democratic local elections. Speaking to the media after voting with his wife Dr. Tshepo Motsepe at the Hyde Park High School, Ramaphosa said this is a testimony that South Africa’s democracy is alive.

LGE 2026 | President Cyril Ramaphosa says the number of people casting their votes today embodies the Freedom Charter’s vision that “The People Shall Govern”, as South Africans make their voices heard at the ballot box. https://t.co/Symj3LZwzf

— SABC News (@SABCNews) November 4, 2026

He also thanked voters for exercising their civic duty despite the many challenges they face across municipalities countrywide.

‘As one looks at the TV screens, the queues that are all over the country just makes this a very special and historic day. This is democracy at work, this is what the Freedom Charter writers said that the People Shall Govern. For me, I am very excited and confident and I am so encouraged by the way our people have come out to vote and this must fill us all as South Africans with joy that our democracy is alive.”

LGE 2026 | This is democracy at work: Ramaphosa