The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) will increase South Africa’s municipal wards from 4,468 in 2021 to 4,488 for the 2026 local government elections, with Johannesburg set for some of the most significant changes as population growth in the north and shifts in Soweto reshape electoral maps and expand voter bases, notably raising Ward 117 from 14,000 to 18,187 registered voters.

Major Boundary Adjustments For Equitable Representation

According to the Rosebank Killarney Gazette, the MDB is finalising new ward lines across Johannesburg to ensure each ward contains a similar number of registered voters, accommodating population growth and new residential developments. The board carries out this adjustment every five years ahead of local elections to reflect demographic changes and uphold principles of fair representation.

Ward 117’s expansion illustrates the increasing concentration of voters in some northern areas, requiring boundary changes to avoid over- or under-representation in council. Thabiso Goba of Eyewitness News noted: “Every five years, prior to the Local Government Elections, the MDB examines and adjusts the country’s ward and municipal boundary lines.”

A Growing And Shifting Population

The Gauteng City-Region Observatory reports the population within 100 km of Johannesburg’s centre grew from 10 million in 2001 to 13.4 million by 2011, with continued growth pushing up voter numbers and intensifying the need for boundary reviews. These shifts have led to successive increases in the number of wards: from 3,754 in 2000, growing steadily to 4,488 in 2026, official MDB figures show.

Changes will affect representation in regions experiencing rapid development as well as areas with declining or shifting populations such as parts of Soweto, contributing to a dynamic and changing political landscape across Johannesburg. The re-drawn boundaries will influence not only the makeup of city council but also how parties like MK strategise for local constituencies in 2026 and beyond.

The MDB’s final report on new ward boundaries is expected to guide all electoral preparations and party campaigns leading up to the next round of local government polls.