South Africans Urged to Register Ahead of Local Elections

South Africans are being encouraged to use this weekend's national voter registration drive to prepare for the upcoming Local Government Elections scheduled for 4 November 2026. The Electoral Commission (IEC) will host a nationwide voter registration weekend on 20 and 21 June, giving eligible citizens an opportunity to register, update their details and confirm that they are registered in the correct voting district.

The registration campaign follows President Cyril Ramaphosa's official proclamation of the election date, marking the country's sixth democratic Local Government Elections since the advent of democracy. With fewer than five months remaining before voters head to the polls, election officials are urging citizens not to leave their registration checks until the last minute.

Nearly 24,000 registration stations will be open across South Africa's 4,488 municipal wards throughout the weekend, making it easier for people to access registration services close to where they live.

The Electoral Commission says preparations for the elections are progressing steadily as the country moves closer to voting day. To support the registration process, the Department of Home Affairs will keep its offices open during the registration weekend to assist citizens who require identity documents. A valid South African identity document remains a requirement for voter registration.

The Commission's Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, previously indicated that election planning is at an advanced stage, with systems and logistics being put in place to support a smooth registration process and successful election day operations.

Citizens who are already registered are also encouraged to verify their details to ensure they remain linked to the correct voting station and district. Accurate registration information is essential, as voters are generally expected to cast their ballots in the districts where they are registered.

The Electoral Commission has adopted the slogan "Get Up, Show Up, Vote" for its 2026 election campaign, with a strong focus on encouraging greater participation among young South Africans. A nationwide awareness campaign is currently being rolled out through television, radio, digital platforms and social media channels to reach voters across different age groups and communities.

Early signs suggest growing interest among younger citizens. Through the Commission's Tertiary Institutions Campaign, nearly 98,000 students have already been engaged, while more than 45,000 have successfully registered to vote. Current figures show that approximately 27.9 million South Africans are registered on the national voters' roll, exceeding the number recorded ahead of the 2024 general elections.

Between January and May this year, more than 376,000 new registrations were captured, reflecting increasing participation levels, particularly among first-time and younger voters. Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa expressed optimism about youth involvement in the elections, saying he expects even more young people to register and participate in the democratic process.

South Africans who have not yet registered can do so online or visit their designated voting stations during the voter registration weekend on Saturday and Sunday.