COSATU wants shops shut on election day so workers can vote
COSATU will ask Parliament to make election day a non-trading holiday and extend voting hours, so non-essential workers can vote without risking pay. Turnout on 4 November was 52%.
COSATU wants election day turned into a non-trading holiday and voting hours made longer, and says it will take both proposals to Parliament. The union federation wants non-essential workers to be able to vote without fear of losing their wages or their jobs, EWN reported on 9 November.
Nothing changes yet. These are proposals, and any change to voting hours or how election day is declared would need Parliament or government to act.
What exactly does COSATU want?
| Proposal | What COSATU says |
|---|---|
| Longer voting hours on election day | Extend them to lift turnout |
| Longer hours for early (special) voting | Extend them too |
| Election day as a non-trading holiday | So non-essential workers can vote without risking pay or jobs |
Source: EWN
COSATU said it was worried that only about half of eligible South Africans are registered, and only about half of those voted in the 4 November municipal elections, EWN reported.
How did election day work this year?
Wednesday 4 November was already a paid public holiday. President Cyril Ramaphosa declared it under the Public Holidays Act in a notice published on 8 September (Government Gazette 55352).
On a public holiday, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act says an employer can't make you work unless you agree, and if you do work you are owed at least double pay (BCEA, section 18).
Voting stations were open from 07:00 to 21:00 (IEC).
What was the turnout?
52%. About 14.9 million of 29.2 million registered voters cast a ballot, up from 45.9% in 2021, IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya said when the results were declared (SAnews).
What happens next?
COSATU has said it will make submissions to Parliament, according to EWN. It has not said when.
FAQ
Does COSATU want election day to be a non-trading holiday?
Yes. COSATU wants election day declared a non-trading holiday so non-essential workers can vote without fear of losing wages or jobs, EWN reported on 9 November 2026.
Was 4 November 2026 a public holiday?
Yes. President Ramaphosa declared it a paid public holiday under the Public Holidays Act in Government Gazette 55352.
What was the turnout in the 2026 local elections?
52%, with about 14.9 million of 29.2 million registered voters casting ballots, up from 45.9% in 2021.
Will voting hours change?
Not yet. COSATU says it will ask Parliament to extend early and election-day voting hours. No change has been made.