By Zuko Komisa

- The Electoral Commission (IEC) has hailed strong public turnout during the final voter registration weekend ahead of the Local Government Elections.
- Over 238,000 voter interactions were processed within the first few hours across more than 23,000 open voting stations and the online portal.
- Although physical stations close on Sunday afternoon, eligible citizens can still register or update their details online until the election is officially proclaimed.
The Electoral Commission (IEC) has commended South Africans for turning out in large numbers to register and update their details during the final registration weekend for the upcoming Local Government Elections.
Over 99% of the country’s 23,699 voting stations opened promptly at 8:00 am, alongside extended operating hours at Department of Home Affairs offices to assist citizens with identity documents.
In a press statement addressing voters during the drive, Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo highlighted the importance of final participation:
“We are delighted that South Africans have responded positively to this final voter registration weekend, but there is still a crucial window of opportunity for those who have not yet registered or who need to update their registration details.”
Initial figures showed swift public engagement, with more than 238,000 citizens interacting with the IEC by midday on Saturday alone.
The vast majority of transactions occurred in person at voting stations, led by high volumes in KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, and Gauteng. Despite minor technical glitches with the data-free online registration portal, technical teams worked to maintain service continuity, recording tens of thousands of additional digital submissions.
Eligible voters who missed visiting a physical station can still register or verify their status online at registertovote.elections.org.za or via SMS (32810) until the election date is officially proclaimed.
The IEC is scheduled to release the final tally and outcome of the registration drive during a media briefing on Monday afternoon at Election House in Centurion.