The Electoral Commission of South Africa is gearing up for its first registration weekend of November 18 and 19.

The commission said it’s targeting first-time voters and young people, and the much-anticipated 2024 National and Provincial Elections will be conducted under the theme ‘Your democracy, Own it’.

According to the IEC, the messaging for next year’s elections is aimed at rekindling the belief among South African voters that democracy is theirs and that they should own it.

IEC deputy CEO Masego Sheburi said the campaign aims to remind South Africans that democracy belongs to them.

Sheburi said there was careful consideration of the platforms to be used to spread the message of voter registration and elections to South Africans. These include TV, radio, print, out-of-home advertising, a contact centre and digital channels.

Residents are being urged to cast their votes because it’s their way of making their voices heard. Voting also gives residents the power to decide on the quality of life they want for themselves and their community, and even for future generations.

One of the fundamental reasons for one to vote is to make sure that democracy prevails, as it works when people participate in it.

This weekend, 18 – 19 November, is your chance to make a difference in #SAelections24! Join us and get registered. Stations are open from 8 am – 5 pm. Don’t forget your SA ID! Your democracy, own it!

Find your station https://t.co/mpLzNV5Jm7 pic.twitter.com/CQ6zdip3i0

— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) November 16, 2023

Registering to vote

To be eligible to vote, you must be a South African citizen, be at least 18 years or older (16 years old to register) and have a green barcoded identity book (ID), smart card ID or temporary ID.

According to the IEC’s website, you can register at the local IEC offices in your voting district by making an appointment. The commission said by law, no one is allowed to register online or by merely sending an email.

When you get to the IEC’s offices you will be expected to fill in a registration form, whereafter your green ID book will be scanned and you immediately will be provided with a barcoded sticker.

The IEC said upon completing this process, you however do not automatically become an eligible voter, as you need to wait seven days for the captured information to be processed.

Those who have previously registered can check their details by sending an SMS with their ID number to 32810 at the cost of R1 per SMS.

Alternatively, the IEC’s mobile app can be downloaded and your ID number entered for verification.

More than 23 290 voting stations will be open this weekend, from 08:00 to 17:00 on both days.

Have queries about voter registration or anything related to the upcoming elections? We’re here to assist! Contact us at 0800 11 8000. Open Mon -Fri, 8AM – 5PM. #SAelections24 pic.twitter.com/Xtxi04J2ZJ

— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) November 16, 2023

Home Affairs hours extended

The South African News Agency reports that the Department of Home Affairs is extending its operating hours for the voter registration weekend to provide ID services and related support to eligible voters.

Operating hours will be aligned with those of the Independent Electoral Commission over the two days, starting from 08:00 to 17:00, and the main service to be offered is ID collection and application.

“Temporary identification certificates will be issued on the spot to those who have lost or misplaced their IDs. Eligible voters require IDs to register and to vote.

“We encourage all clients and eligible voters who have applied for IDs to visit their Home Affairs offices to collect their IDs over the registration weekend,” the Department of Home Affairs said in a statement.

To ease pressure on clients and easy queues, Home Affairs has introduced dedicated counters for collections in large offices that process smart ID cards and passports, where space allows.

In addition, clients can now book collection appointments before visiting offices using the Branch Appointment Booking System which is available at https://services.dha.gov.za/#/authenticate/identity.

“Home Affairs allows clients who may not have an opportunity to book appointments to visit as ‘walk-ins’ and will be assisted to collect their IDs and passports, or to apply for temporary identification certificates,” the department said.