Actor Tumisho Masha faces backlash for allegedly posting marked ballot paper

South African actor Tumisho Masha faces backlash after allegedly sharing his vote online after marking the ballot paper yesterday, 4 November 2026, during the local government elections. The since-deleted post is seen as a contravention of the Electoral Act 73 of 1998.

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Did Tumisho Masha expose his bal

The actor best known for his role in Isidingo caused an uproar on social media.

In his X post, the TV star wrote:

“My mark has been made. Action SA is the only party that can fix Joburg.”

An hour after the post was shared, the government’s Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster pointed out the contravention on their official social media page.

It stated that the matter would be handled by the Gauteng South African Police Service. It also reminded civilians that sharing their marked ballot paper publicly is against the laws set in place by the Electoral Commission.

GAUTENG #LGE2026 | An actor, Tumisho Masha (@TumishoMasha), has contravened the Electoral Act 73 of 1998. The matter will be further handled by the Gauteng SAPS.

You are reminded that it is a criminal offence to photograph a marked ballot paper and/or share it.

— Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (@CrimeWatch_RSA) November 4, 2026

Tumisho then deleted the post and shared another tweet laughing, “It’s really not what you think.”

Everybody calm down it’s really not what you think 😂😂😂

— Tumisho Masha (@TumishoMasha) November 4, 2026

The actor’s post comes after the IEC chairperson, Mosotho Moepya, explained on Tuesday, 03 November 2026, that ballot papers must be marked in secret inside designated voting booths.

“The secrecy of every vote is a fundamental principle of South Africa’s democracy and must always be protected,” he said.

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Tumisho Masha’s election day

The actor allegedly documented more than just his ballot paper, sharing glimpses of his entire Election Day, with particular attention to his experience at the voting station.

“My experience with voting in Lynhurds is usually a bit too easy; I mean, look around, there are absolutely no lines, no queues,” he shared,  adding his appreciation for the volunteers and highlighting their efficiency and precision.

He also documented the outside of his voting station, which only had one political party’s tent outside, prompting him to say he wished more political parties were present outside the voting station.

Thanks to all the people at @IECSouthAfrica and the volunteers for making today an absolute pleasure. ✊🏾🇿🇦 https://t.co/pnVOwElBBi

— Tumisho Masha (@TumishoMasha) November 4, 2026

Featured image: X/@Zalebs

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