SABC News: ‘The Truth That Travels With You’
Taking election information to wherever South Africans are
As South Africa prepares for the 2026 Local Government Elections, SABC News is taking election coverage beyond the traditional newsroom and into the digital spaces where South Africans live, work, connect and consume information.
Under the campaign platform “The Truth That Travels With You”, SABC News will provide audiences with real-time, accessible and relevant election information across its digital ecosystem, in all official languages — helping South Africans stay informed before, during and after Election Day.
The campaign reflects SABC News’ commitment to delivering election coverage that extends beyond the ballot box. From voter education and candidate and party information to breaking news, election result predictions and analysis, results and developments from communities across the country, audiences will be able to access information wherever they are and on the platforms they use every day.
The campaign will leverage the reach of the SABC News digital ecosystem, including:
- SABCNews.com – the central destination for breaking election news, in-depth stories, explainers, interviews, analysis and election results.
- SABC News social media platforms – delivering real-time updates, short-form video, visual explainers, live coverage and shareable election content across platforms including Facebook, X, Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok and 9 YouTube channels.
- SABC+ – providing audiences with access to live and on-demand SABC News content and enabling audiences to follow key election developments wherever they are.
- SABC News Radio Bulletins and Radio Current Affairs programmes – extending election conversations and information to audiences across the country, in their languages, through the SABC’s extensive radio network and its digital touchpoints.
This approach is particularly important in an environment where misinformation can spread rapidly online. SABC leadership has emphasised the importance of credible, accurate and unbiased election reporting, with the broadcaster’s role extending throughout the election process rather than being limited to Election Day.
SABC’s digital ecosystem provides opportunities to connect with audiences around some of the country’s most significant civic conversations, while the combination of TV News, Current Affairs, radio, social and streaming creates multiple opportunities for content and brand exposure.
SABC+ alone surpassed 3 million registered users in August 2026, demonstrating the scale of the SABC’s growing digital audience and its ability to connect advertisers with registered, engaged audiences in a brand-safe environment.
As Election Day approaches, “The Truth That Travels With You” will bring together the strength of SABC News journalism and the reach of its digital platforms — ensuring that reliable election information can travel with audiences from their homes to their workplaces, from their communities to their mobile phones.
| Key 2026 Local Government Election dates:
· 21 September 2026 Special vote applications opened. Applications close at 17:00 on 12 October 2026. · 12 October 2026 Deadline for special vote applications — 17:00. · 2–3 November 2026 Special voting takes place for eligible voters who have been approved for a special vote. · 4 November 2026 — ELECTION DAY South Africans will go to the polls for the 2026 Local Government Elections. The day has been declared a public holiday. · Post-election period SABC News will continue providing election results, developments, analysis and updates as the outcome of the elections unfolds. |
The truth travels. The audience follows.
Follow SABC News across its digital platforms and stay informed throughout the 2026 Local Government Elections.
