IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo confirmed that over 260,000 new voter registrations were recorded between November 2025 and March 2026, reflecting growing confidence in the commission’s digital and in-person registration methods.
Image: Jacques Naude / Independent Newspapers
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Sy Mamabolo, has announced a voter registration weekend set for 20 and 21 June 2026, aimed at maximising registration opportunities closer to where voters reside.
Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday, Mamabolo reminded all eligible South Africans that they must register where they ordinarily reside and vote at the station of their registration once the election date has been announced.
Mamabolo explained that the primary goal of the voter registration weekend is to provide South Africans with the opportunity to register closer to their homes.
“The voter registration weekend is designed to facilitate access to the franchise and broaden electoral participation,” Mamabolo said.
This initiative forms part of the IEC’s wider planning framework, which ensures operational readiness ahead of the elections.
He also highlighted that once the election date is announced by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Velenkosini Hlabisa, voters will have until midnight on that day to register.
The election date will officially set the timetable for other essential processes such as the publication of the voters’ roll, candidate nominations, and the lodging of objections to the roll.
Mamabolo stressed the importance of a timely announcement of the election date, particularly for citizens who may not be living at their ordinary place of residence on election day.
“An early announcement of an election date is critical to allow South Africans to decide where they will be on voting day,” Mamabolo said.
“For example, students living away from home must know if they’ll be on campus or at home when the election happens to ensure they register correctly.”
The IEC also clarified that voters are legally required to cast their ballots only at the voting station where they are registered, ensuring that each voter votes for ward councillors representing their local communities.
The IEC has already made significant progress in election preparations, he said.
In December 2025, the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) handed over 4,305 wards, representing 95% of all wards across the country.
However, there are still some outstanding ward delimitations in four municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal, where court proceedings have delayed finalisation. Mamabolo confirmed that these legal matters have now been resolved, and delimitation is proceeding.
Ward boundaries, Mamabolo explained, are crucial for determining political representation at the local level, and voting districts are the administrative units used for organising voter registrations.
The IEC is also working to update voting district boundaries to reflect new population movements and changes to ward structures, with plans for the disestablishment of some districts and the creation of new ones.
Mamabolo assured that the IEC is actively engaging with affected voters through targeted communication and registration outreach, including door-to-door efforts.
Voters are also encouraged to check and update their registration details using the online self-service portal or during the General Registration Weekend in June.
The IEC has seen a significant increase in online registrations, with over 260,000 new voters added between November 2025 and March 2026.
Of these, 132,000 registered through the online portal, while 128,000 used voter management devices at various registration points.
“This growing confidence in our digital and in-person registration options is a positive sign that South Africans are taking proactive steps to ensure they are ready for the election,” Mamabolo said.
The IEC continues to drive voter education and engagement, ensuring that citizens are well-informed and prepared ahead of the 2026 municipal elections, he said.
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
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