The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) says more than 330 000 voter registration applications had been processed by midday on Saturday as the country kicked off its final voter registration weekend ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
Addressing a media briefing, the IEC reported an overwhelmingly positive start to the nationwide registration drive, with almost all of the country’s 23 706 voting stations opening and operating as planned.
Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Masego Sheburi said close to 100% of voting stations were confirmed open and operational by 8am, with only a handful experiencing delays due to community protests.
The registration weekend forms part of preparations for the local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026.
According to the commission, more than 300 000 voter registration transactions had been processed at voting stations through the Voter Management Device (VMD), while a further 30 000 applications were completed through the IEC’s online registration platform.
KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape accounted for the highest number of registration applications, reflecting their larger population sizes.
The IEC said early indications also suggest that young people are making up the majority of applicants.
“We are encouraged by the turnout recorded thus far, which reflects a positive commitment by South Africans to participate in the country’s democratic processes,” Sheburi said.
The commission also reported that its voter support systems had remained active throughout the day, with the IEC contact centre assisting 640 voters directly while a further 221 interactions were handled through social media platforms.
The IEC thanked the more than 48 000 electoral officials deployed across the country for ensuring that registration operations commenced smoothly and that voters received efficient service at registration stations.
The commission has urged eligible South Africans who have not yet registered or who need to update their registration details, to make use of the remaining registration period over the weekend.
Voting stations will remain open until 5pm on Saturday before reopening at 8am on Sunday.
The IEC reminded voters that they are required to register in the voting district where they ordinarily reside and will only be permitted to vote at the voting station where they are registered.
A valid South African identity document, smart ID card or temporary identity certificate issued by the Department of Home Affairs is required to register or update voter details.
While proof of address is not compulsory, the commission said providing an address or a clear description of one’s place of residence remains important to ensure voters are allocated to the correct voting district.
Citizens may also register online through the IEC’s voter registration portal, which will remain open until midnight on the day the elections are officially proclaimed by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
The commission also expressed appreciation to political parties, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, community leaders and security agencies for supporting the registration process.
With just months remaining before South Africans head to the polls, the IEC said the strong turnout recorded during the first day of registration was an encouraging sign of continued public participation in the country’s democratic system.