By Mapaballo Borotho

- The IEC has urged South Africans to use this weekend’s voter registration drive to register, verify or update their voting details ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
- All 23,706 voter registration stations will be open from 8am to 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
- Home Affairs has extended operating hours nationwide and is encouraging citizens to collect the more than 370,000 Smart ID cards that are still awaiting collection.
This coming weekend is one of the most significant weekends of 2026 for South Africans, as many, including first-time voters, prepare to register to vote.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has urged eligible voters to ensure they are correctly registered ahead of this weekend’s voter registration drive for the 2026 local government elections.
The commission has called on eligible citizens to take full advantage of the weekend to verify or update their details ahead of the elections.
Addressing a media briefing on Thursday, 18 June 2026, IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said all 23,706 registration stations across the country would be open from 8am to 5pm on both days.
The voter registration weekend has also prompted the Department of Home Affairs to extend its operating hours, as South Africans need valid identity documents to register to vote.
All Home Affairs offices will be open nationwide on:
- Saturday, 20 June 2026: 08:00 – 17:00
- Sunday, 21 June 2026: 08:00 – 17:00
“More than 370,000 Smart ID Cards are currently awaiting collection at Home Affairs offices nationwide.
The extended operating hours form part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to improve access to services and ensure that all eligible South Africans have the identity documents they need to exercise their democratic rights,” said Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber.
He called on all South Africans who still need a Smart ID Card, or who have been notified that their Smart ID Card is ready for collection, to make use of this opportunity.
“An ID is not only essential for participating in our democracy, but also serves as a gateway to opportunities, services and economic participation,” he added.
READ NEXT: Infographic: This is who you’ll be voting for in 2026 – New DA leadership unveiled



