PRETORIA — As the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) launches a massive nationwide voter registration drive this weekend, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa is urging all eligible South Africans to register ahead of the crucial November 2026 local government elections. With over 23,700 registration stations opening their doors across the country, the government is emphasizing readiness and encouraging first-time voters to claim their democratic voice.
More than 23,700 voting stations will be operational on Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Addressing concerns about logistical readiness, particularly regarding operations in the Western Cape, Minister Hlabisa—who also chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the 2026 Local Government Elections—assured the public that preparations are complete. He noted that while minor last-minute logistical adjustments are underway in certain areas, the country is fully prepared for the weekend drive. The Department of Home Affairs will be on hand to assist citizens who have misplaced their identity documents, and the South African Police Service (SAPS) has been mobilized to ensure safety at all stations. Furthermore, the IEC has recruited adequate staff to manage the high volume of registrations.
A significant portion of the campaign is targeted at the youth and first-time voters. Minister Hlabisa highlighted that political parties are also placing a strong emphasis on this registration drive to ensure they can engage with registered constituents once campaigning begins. While online registration remains a viable option, the Minister strongly encouraged citizens to visit their local physical stations this weekend. This allows voters to verify their details and ensure they are registered in the correct ward, as citizens can only cast their ballots in the ward where they reside.
The registration process will not end when the weekend concludes. IEC offices and online portals will remain open until the registration period is officially cut off through gazetting in mid-August. Addressing inclusivity, particularly for rural communities and individuals with disabilities, Hlabisa drew on his own experience growing up in a deep rural area. He explained that local government elections are uniquely advantageous because voting stations are located within the voters’ own wards, often within walking distance. For areas with reliable network coverage, the online registration option provides an additional layer of accessibility.
When questioned about voter apathy and public disillusionment with government performance, Minister Hlabisa offered a pragmatic perspective. He argued that the most effective way to address current service delivery challenges is through active participation rather than absence. He urged citizens to research the credentials of political parties and prospective councilors, advising them to vote thoughtfully rather than emotionally. More importantly, he stressed that voters must hold their elected representatives accountable for service delivery throughout the five-year term to ensure tangible changes in their communities.
In his closing remarks, the Minister delivered a passionate message to the youth and those who have lost hope in the democratic process. He reminded citizens that the freedom they enjoy today is the result of those who fought against apartheid and unjust laws. Hlabisa encouraged young South Africans not only to vote but to step forward as candidates for ward councilor, emphasizing that they know best the future they want to build. Reaffirming that “our vote is our voice,” he urged citizens to be present and become the architects of the future they wish to see.
