Second IEC-led media training heads to Limpopo as nationwide programme gains momentum
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) and the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) will host the second leg of the nationwide election media training programme in Polokwane, Limpopo, on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, as part of ongoing preparations for the 2026/27 Local Government Elections.
The training will take place at the Park Inn by Radisson Polokwane and will bring together journalists from community, regional and national media outlets across the province.
The programme forms part of a nationwide initiative announced last week by IEC Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, during a national media briefing held in Centurion, Pretoria, where he outlined the Commission’s preparations for the upcoming municipal elections.
The media training programme is implemented in partnership with SANEF, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), Africa Check and Moxii Africa. The event will be addressed by Limpopo Electoral Officer Ms. Nkaro Matela.
The initiative aims to strengthen election reporting by equipping journalists with a deeper understanding of the legislative framework governing elections, electoral processes and the regulatory environment within which political parties, candidates and electoral institutions operate.
The Limpopo training follows the successful launch of the programme in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on 10 March 2026, where over 100 journalists from across the province gathered for the first session of the nationwide training programme.
Speaking during the media briefing last week, Mamabolo underscored the vital role played by the media in safeguarding electoral democracy and ensuring that voters receive credible and accurate information.
“The Electoral Commission acknowledges and appreciates the vital role played by the media in electoral democracy and in the dissemination of credible information,” said Mamabolo.
“The free flow of credible information about political parties, candidates, voting station operations and electoral regulations is a prerequisite for free and fair elections.”
He added that the partnership between the IEC and other stakeholders seeks to strengthen the capacity of journalists to report responsibly and accurately during the election period.
“The purpose of the programme is to equip journalists with a comprehensive understanding of the legislative framework, electoral processes and regulatory environment, thereby strengthening the possibility for accurate, ethical and informed reporting throughout the election period,” Mamabolo said.
The training programme will cover key aspects of election reporting including the legal framework governing elections, the role and responsibilities of the Electoral Commission, candidate nomination processes, voting station operations and the broader electoral timetable.
Journalists will also receive guidance on navigating the increasingly complex digital information environment, including identifying and countering misinformation and disinformation that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
The partners believe that strengthening the capacity of journalists is critical to protecting the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that citizens are well informed ahead of the 2026/27 Local Government Elections.
The nationwide training programme will continue to Mahikeng in the North West Province next week. The details will be announced soon. The roll out will then procced to other provinces over the coming months as preparations intensify for the municipal polls.
Issued by:
South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF)
For media enquiries:
IEC spokesperson, Kate Bapela – 0826006386 or [email protected]
SANEF: Executive Director Reggy Moalusi – 0716823695 or [email protected]
SALGA: SALGA Spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba – 0725253022 or [email protected]
