Don’t wait until it’s too late.

This is the message from the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) regarding the upcoming 2026 Local Government Elections and the official Proclamation Day set for August 7.

After a successful registration weekend from August 1-2, where there were 291 806 new registrations nationwide, with 26% of them being between the ages of 16-29.

Even if voters missed out on registering this past weekend, they can still do so via WhatsApp or online.

• WhatsApp: Send “Hi” to 0600 88 0000 and follow the prompts.
• Click on the online portal here:

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) officially proclaims the Local Government Election date on August 7. Once proclaimed, the voters’ roll closes and no further changes or registrations can be made.

Ledimo Nthejani, manager for electoral matter in the North West province, states that the election proclamation is important in terms of the election time table.

“This time table governs activities that occur until the elections are conducted. The proclamation alerts ordinary South Africans when elections will be held. Registration of voters ceases when the day of proclamation is announced,” he explained.

After proclamation is issued, candidate nominations open and guidelines will also be issued regarding special voting applications opening and closing as well as the operational hours of voting stations.

“Citizens must make sure they are registered and that they are registered where they reside.”