THE Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is gearing up for its national voter registration weekend on June 20 and 21, with nearly 24 000 registration stations set up across the country’s 4 488 municipal wards.

Also read: Voting registration numbers ‘disappointingly low’ in Amanzimtoti

With less than five months remaining before South Africans head to the polls in November, the IEC is encouraging all eligible citizens to register to vote or update their registration details.

Speaking ahead of the registration drive, the Commission’s Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, said preparations were well advanced. He also confirmed that the Department of Home Affairs would keep offices open nationwide to assist citizens who require identity documents, which are necessary for voter registration.

As part of its 2026 election campaign, the IEC has adopted the slogan, “Get Up, Show Up, Vote”, with a strong focus on encouraging young people to participate in the democratic process.

The voter registration weekend forms part of a wider awareness campaign being rolled out across television, radio, digital and social media platforms. According to the Commission, the campaign has generated strong interest among young South Africans.

Also read: Prospecton Home Affairs PRO retires

Through its Tertiary Institutions Campaign, the IEC has engaged with almost 98 000 students, resulting in more than 45 000 new voter registrations.

Current figures show that 27.9 million South Africans are registered on the voters’ roll, exceeding the number recorded before the 2024 general elections. Between January and May this year, more than 376 000 new registrations were processed, reflecting growing participation among voters, particularly the youth.

Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa welcomed the increase in registrations and expressed confidence that more young people would register and vote in this year’s local government elections.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has proclaimed November 4 as the date for South Africa’s sixth democratic Local Government Elections.

Eligible voters can register online or visit their designated voting stations during the voter registration weekend, or check their details at https://www.elections.org.za/.
– SAnews.gov.za

For more South Coast Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.

Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.