The failure by thousands of residents to collect their identity documents is threatening to undermine voter participation in the upcoming local government elections, with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) warning that the situation is ‘disastrous’.

According to The Witness, the warning comes after KZN Home Affairs revealed that more than 105 000 identity documents, including green bar-coded ID books and smart ID cards, have remained uncollected across the province since December.

Backlog raises concerns for electoral credibility

IEC provincial spokesperson Thabani Ngwira says the growing backlog of uncollected IDs poses a direct risk to the credibility and inclusiveness of the electoral process.

“We urge people to collect their documents because they are crucial for the coming local government elections and any other elections,” says Ngwira, adding that efforts to educate citizens about the importance of applying for and collecting IDs have faced persistent challenges.

Youth turnout at risk

Provincial Home Affairs manager Cyril Mncwabe cautions that the backlog could significantly suppress voter turnout, particularly among young people aged 15 to 35, a key voting bloc.

“This is a great concern, and we appeal to people to collect their documents as we can’t keep them in our offices forever. Once IDs remain uncollected for a certain period, they are returned to Pretoria,” says Mncwabe.

Outreach efforts intensify as time runs out

The IEC and Home Affairs have been working jointly on campaigns to get people to apply for IDs, deploying mobile units during outreach campaigns to make it easier for citizens to apply. However, officials say access is no longer the primary issue.

The failure to collect issued documents is now the greater concern.

Mncwabe says the department is intensifying its outreach efforts, working with schools and community stakeholders to drive collections, but stressed that time is running out.

“We urge people not to delay. This is a crucial period for the country,” he adds.

Key dates for voters

A voter registration weekend will take place on June 20 and 21.

Read more here: When will the elections be? Registration weekend announced as IEC awaits proclamation

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