The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) says more than 330,000 voter registration applications had been processed by midday on Saturday as citizens turned out in large numbers for the country’s final voter registration weekend ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
According to the IEC, a total of 330,476 registration transactions were captured by noon, including new registrations, re-registrations and updates to voters’ details. The commission described the turnout as encouraging, particularly among young people and first-time voters. Speaking during a media briefing, IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said the early figures reflected a strong commitment by South Africans to participate in the democratic process.
“We are encouraged by the turnout we have seen thus far. South Africans are responding positively to our call to register and verify their details ahead of the local government elections,” Mamabolo said.
He noted that the registration weekend is particularly important because local government elections require voters to be registered in the ward where they ordinarily reside.
“The objective of this registration weekend is to ensure that every eligible voter is correctly registered in the ward where they live so that they are able to participate fully in the forthcoming local government elections,” he added.
The IEC opened more than 23,000 voting stations across the country on Saturday morning, with stations set to remain open throughout the weekend. Voters are able to register for the first time, update their residential addresses or confirm their voting details. Mamabolo urged South Africans who have recently relocated to ensure that their registration information reflects their current address.
“We continue to encourage all eligible citizens, especially young people and those who may have moved, to make use of this opportunity to register or update their details. Every registration strengthens our democracy,” he said.
The commission has also reported a steady increase in online voter registrations in recent months, with digital platforms becoming an increasingly popular option for voters seeking to update their information. South Africa heads to the polls on 4 November 2026 for the local government elections, where voters will elect councillors to represent municipalities across the country.
