More than 330 000 citizens successfully completed voter registration transactions by midday today (June 20), marking the start of the registration weekend.

This announcement was made by deputy chief electoral officer Masego Sheburi during the IEC’s media briefing held at noon in Centurion, Gauteng.

Sheburi announced that more than 300 000 transactions were completed using voter management devices across the country’s 23 706 voting stations.

Protests disrupt some stations

When asked about closures, Sheburi noted that 16 stations remained closed at the time of publishing due to protests. He said these closures are scattered countrywide and did not disclose their specific locations.

He urged those with grievances to address their issues in a manner that does not impede the rights of others, adding that the IEC is working with the SAPS to resolve the closures.

Youth leading registrations

Meanwhile, young participants are leading the number of registration transactions thus far, though Sheburi was unable to confirm the exact figures. KZN, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape are leading the recorded registrations, with the IEC noting it is encouraged by the growing number of first-time voters.

He added that the commission expects a peak in registrations on its online portal after hours when voting stations are closed. Sheburi explained that the portal operates 24 hours a day and implored those experiencing technical difficulties to retry when there is less network traffic. Some of the difficulties experienced so far include users being unable to receive one-time pins.

Stations remain open until 17:00 today and reopen tomorrow at 08:00, with the registration weekend concluding at 17:00 tomorrow.

Sheburi thanked the Department of Home Affairs for matching the operational hours of voting stations this weekend to allow South Africans to apply for or collect their Smart ID cards.

Sheburi reminded citizens that voter registration closes at midnight on the day the minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs proclaims the election date of November 4.

He announced that the outcomes of the registration weekend and the determination of whether another weekend is needed will be shared on Tuesday. He added that the IEC does not have a set target for registrations but aims to assist as many South Africans as possible.

His message to those who opt not to vote is clear: Register now, because otherwise the decisions of those responsible for fixing potholes or addressing water supply, among other issues, are made only by those who participate in the electoral process.

“You may not have a political hope now. There may be people who contest who do not resonate with your aspirations, [but] all we can ask is register so that during the campaigns if there is a party or candidate that speaks to your issues and you want to vote for them, you have already taken the first step of being on the voters’ roll,” Sheburi said. He added that it would be a ‘sad day’ if citizens failed to avail themselves of the opportunity to register.

What is needed to register

When registering, citizens must present a South African ID, Smart ID card, green barcoded ID book or a valid temporary identity certificate. 

Proof of address is not a requirement for registration, but the provision of a place of ordinary residence is required. 
 
If you want to register or check your details online, get your ID ready and visit registertovote.elections.org.za  

The commission emphasised that on election day, voters will only be able to vote where they are registered. Voters are encouraged to verify their information through the IEC Contact Centre on 0800 11 8000, by texting their ID number to 32810, or via the online voter registration portal.

Watch the briefing:

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