A student wearing a T-shirt bearing a portrait of Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Velenkosini Hlabisa plays football with friends on a beach in Durban on November 4, 2026, during South Africa's local government elections.. South Africans vote on November 4, 2026 in a closely watched local government election, with parties battling for control of major cities in a contest expected to offer a measure of the national mood before the next national polls. (Photo by RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP via Getty Images)