The second and final voter registration weekend will take place in two weeks, on Saturday, February 3, and Sunday, February 4, giving voters one last chance to visit their voting station to register or ensure their details are correct ahead of the upcoming national and provincial elections.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa, known as the IEC, says all 23 296 polling stations across the country will be open from 08:00 to 17:00 on both days.

If you have moved to another voting district since you last registered, you must update your details if you want to vote.

“Following the first registration weekend held on November 18 and 19, the voters’ roll contains 26.8 million voters, of which 568 374 registered for the first time.

“We are hopeful that the second registration weekend will build on and surpass the satisfactory turnout recorded in November,” says IEC spokesperson Kate Bapela.

What you need to register

Citizens aged 16 years and older can register to vote.

“The only thing they need is their ID book or a valid temporary ID certificate,” says Bapela.

“They need only provide their address or a description of where they live. Proof of address is not a requirement to register as a voter,” she adds.

South Africans abroad or in prison

South Africans living abroad will have an opportunity to register at South Africa’s 120 high commissions, embassies and consulates. Bapela says those living abroad can register on January 26, 27 and 28.

“In addition, voter registration will also be conducted in correctional centres around the country to allow inmates to exercise their right to vote.

“Working with the Department of Correctional Services, the commission will undertake the registration of inmates between January 30 and February 1.

“Family members of those who are incarcerated are requested to deliver the identity documents of inmates to them ahead of this registration drive,” she says.

How to register or update your details online

Citizens can also register or update their details online, 24/7, until President Cyril Ramaphosa announces the election date, which is set to be between May and August 2024.

To register online, click here and follow the prompts for your details.

Make sure you have your South African ID smart card or barcoded green ID book with you when you register, as you will need to scan a copy of it.

You will receive a notification as soon as your registration is processed.

If you don’t have data, you can register on someone else’s device.

Register at your local IEC office

You can also register at your local IEC office on weekdays during office hours, from 08:00 to 17:00.

Click here to find the contact details of your local IEC office.

Where is your voting station?

Registered voters can visit the IEC’s website to check their current registration details and voting station location.

They can also SMS their ID number to 32810 to receive an SMS containing the address of their voting station (charged at R1).

The IEC appeals to all stakeholders, including expatriate communities; political parties; aspirant independent candidates; government departments and entities; the media and civil society organisations, including labour, business, non-governmental organisations, religious-based organisations, traditional leaders and all community organisations to support the registration drive and encourage voter registration ahead of the elections.