The IEC has unveiled its 2026 elections logo and tagline “Get Up. Show Up. Vote”, aiming to inspire South Africans, especially youth, to participate in shaping their communities and democracy.
Image: IEC/ X
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has unveiled the official logo and tagline for the 2026/27 Local Government Elections, saying the launch marks a major step in its preparations for the polls and signals that its readiness is already at an advanced stage.
The commission on Wednesday introduced the new election identity, which includes the tagline “Get Up. Show Up. Vote”, saying it reflects a “forward-looking, voter-centric democracy” and is aimed at encouraging greater youth participation ahead of the elections.
It said the branding also reaffirms the commission’s commitment to delivering credible and accessible elections.
According to the IEC, the tagline is anchored in the belief that South Africans care deeply about their families, communities, livelihoods, and the future of the country.
The commission said the logo and tagline will now be used across election materials and platforms as part of the build-up to the local government elections.
IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya said the three-part call to action was designed to resonate with people in a simple but meaningful way.
“This logo represents inclusive civic activism, shared patriotism, and national pride. It does not lecture, It does not demand, and it does not overcomplicate. It evokes a strong emotional resonance and inspires a collective sense of South African optimism.
''Anchored in this optimism, the logo will come to life during the Local Government Elections as a shared national asset belonging to all South Africans,” said Moepya.
The IEC also announced the launch of its podcast channel, which it said is intended to improve transparency, broaden access to information, and strengthen civic education.
The podcast is expected to go live on 8 April 2026. As part of its youth mobilisation drive, the commission also introduced “Beats for My Peeps”, a limited-edutainment reality series aimed at encouraging young South Africans to register and vote.
The IEC said the show would bring together digital creators, established and emerging music artists, as well as IEC representatives, in what it described as a youth-driven television experience “where democracy meets culture”.
According to the commission, the series will unpack myths around voting, challenge disillusionment, and produce original music intended to motivate young people to participate in shaping their communities during the upcoming elections.
The show is set to air on SABC 1 in May 2026. Moepya also called on political parties, government departments, and civil society organisations to support the commission’s work, saying the success of the electoral process depends on strong partnerships.
“We call on all stakeholders to work with us in strengthening our democracy. This can only be achieved through collaboration with key partners, including political parties, government agencies, and civil society organisations,” he said.
The IEC said its next major milestone will be the launch of the national campaign on 27 May 2026, followed by the first voter registration weekend on 20 and 21 June.
The commission also urged South Africans to use its online platform to check and update their voter registration details, including their residential addresses, to ensure they are registered correctly and able to vote at the appropriate voting station.
It said this would help ensure a smooth and efficient voting process on election day.
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
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