Most banks shut, Home Affairs open till 9pm: what's open on 4 November

Wednesday, 4 November 2026 is a public holiday across South Africa for the local government elections, so expect most government offices and bank branches to be shut while malls trade on public holiday hours (Government Gazette 55352, The Presidency). The big exception is Home Affairs, which stays open from 07:00 to 21:00 so people can collect IDs and vote (Home Affairs).

What's open and what's closed on 4 November?

Sources: IEC, Home Affairs, SARB, Capitec branch hours via MoneyToday, Sandton City, City of Cape Town.

Can I go to Home Affairs on election day?

Yes. Every Home Affairs front office runs from 07:00 to 21:00 on 4 November, matching the IEC's voting hours. On Monday and Tuesday (2 and 3 November) the offices are open from 08:00 to 18:00 (Home Affairs).

You can collect a finished ID, apply for a new one, or get a temporary identity certificate. A green barcoded ID book, a smart ID card or a temporary ID certificate are all accepted at voting stations (City of Johannesburg).

Are banks open on 4 November?

Most branches won't be. The South African Reserve Bank has told the market it will be closed for trading and settlement on Wednesday (SARB). If you have a large or urgent payment due, check with your bank before Wednesday.

Capitec's standing position is that branches close on public holidays, though some branches inside malls follow the centre's hours. ATMs, the app, internet banking and the 24-hour client care line keep running (MoneyToday on Capitec branch hours). Other banks' branch hours vary, so use your bank's branch locator before you go.

Are malls and shops open?

Malls trade, but on public holiday hours rather than a normal Wednesday. Sandton City, which usually closes at 19:00 midweek, runs 09:00 to 18:00 on public holidays, and says some tenants may keep different hours (Sandton City). Check your own mall's website or call the store, since hours differ from centre to centre.

Can I pay my municipal account or renew my licence?

Not in person in Cape Town. The City's customer interaction centres are closed on 4 November, along with its accounts and vehicle licensing offices at Liberty Promenade Mall, Table Bay Mall and Lansdowne Corner Mall (City of Cape Town).

Residents can still pay through the City's e-Services, the QR code on their statement, EFT, or at Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Pick n Pay, PEP, Ackermans, Lewis, Woolworths, Spar, Game, Builders Warehouse, Makro and Nedbank branches (City of Cape Town). For other metros, check your municipality's channels before Wednesday.

Does election day affect SASSA payments?

Not this month. SASSA moved November payments earlier because of the election: older persons' grants were paid on 30 October, disability grants on 2 November and children's grants on 3 November (SASSA). Grants under review are paid on Thursday, 5 November.

Will I get paid if I work on 4 November?

It's a normal paid public holiday under labour law. If Wednesday is a normal working day for you and you work, you're owed at least double pay for the day (BCEA, section 18). President Cyril Ramaphosa has asked employers to give staff time to vote (The Presidency).

The election is one of the biggest in the country's history, with 546 parties and nearly 137,000 candidates on the ballot (The Presidency).