South Africa’s voter registration weekend for the November 2026 municipal elections has opened with strong turnout, as more than 330 000 applications were processed by midday on Saturday (20 June).
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) reported that just over 300 000 transactions were processed on voter management devices at voting stations, while a further 30 000 applications came through the online platform.
Nearly all of the country’s 23 706 voting stations opened on time at 08:00, with only a few delays reported due to community protests. Some 48 212 electoral officials are overseeing the registration process.
At a media briefing on Saturday, the commission’s Masego Sheburi said the weekend “has started off on an overwhelmingly positive note”.
“The turnout recorded thus far reflects an encouraging commitment to democratic participation,” he said.
Provinces with higher population densities accounted for the majority of transactions, with KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape recording the highest numbers. Early indications suggest young people make up the majority of applicants.
The commission’s contact centre has assisted 640 voters through direct queries, alongside 221 interactions via social media platforms.
Call to participate
Cooperative governance and traditional affairs minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, who serves as chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the 2026 local government elections, has called on all eligible South Africans to register or update their details during the weekend.
“The decisions taken by municipalities affect the daily lives of residents, from water and sanitation to roads, electricity, local economic development and community safety,” Hlabisa said.
He said the elections give citizens an opportunity to choose leaders who are directly responsible for delivering services and driving development in their communities.
“I encourage all eligible South Africans to register and ensure that their details are up to date. An inclusive and credible electoral process begins with voter registration,” the minister said.
He particularly called on young people and first-time voters to play their part in strengthening South Africa’s democracy.
“The right to vote was hard won through decades of struggle and sacrifice. By registering to vote, we honour those who fought for our freedom and confirm our commitment to democracy,” Hlabisa said.
Requirements and scam warning
Voting stations will remain open until 17:00 on Sunday, 21 June. The IEC has reminded South Africans that voters must register in the voting district where they ordinarily reside and will only be able to vote at the station where they are registered.
A valid South African identity document is required to complete registration or update details. This includes a green barcoded identity book, smart ID card, or valid temporary identity certificate issued by the Department of Home Affairs, which remains open this weekend.
ALSO READ: Home Affairs offices open nationwide for voter registration weekend
Although proof of address is not required, providing an address or description of a place of ordinary residence helps the chief electoral officer allocate voters to the correct segment of the voters’ roll.
Citizens may also register online at registertovote.elections.org.za. The online portal will remain open until midnight on the day the election is officially proclaimed.
However, the minister has urged South Africans to remain vigilant against online scams and to ensure they only use official IEC platforms when registering or updating their details.
Registered voters can verify their details online at elections.org.za, by contacting the commission’s contact centre on 0800 11 8000, or by sending their identity number via SMS to 32810.
The 2026 local government elections will be held on 4 November 2026.
