South Africans who missed the final voter registration weekend still have until midnight on Friday, 7 August 2026, to register or update their details for the 2026 Local Government Elections, according to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). The IEC confirmed that multiple registration options, including its online portal and new WhatsApp channel, remain open until the deadline.

IEC Stresses Convenience And Urgency

The IEC has urged eligible voters not to wait until the last minute, warning that system demand typically increases closer to the cut-off. Registration or detail updates can be completed via the Online Voter Registration portal or by sending ‘Hi’ to 0600 88 0000 on WhatsApp. For further assistance, voters may call the IEC contact centre at 0800 11 8000.

Citizens may register from age 16, but only those 18 or older are eligible to vote. The IEC highlighted the importance of correct registration information, particularly for people who have moved, as voters must vote at their registered local station. Registration status can also be checked by SMSing ‘myID’ plus ID number to 32810.

Youth Participation And Registration Data

During the second and final registration weekend on 1 and 2 August 2026, more than 1.7 million citizens interacted with the IEC, with almost half of new registrations coming from people under 29. In total, 291,806 first-time voters registered and 485,757 transactions involved citizens aged 16 to 29. The earlier registration weekend, held on 20–21 June, had seen 2.9 million registrations.

Addressing the public in an official statement, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, said:

“Go and vote for people who will serve you. It is not going to help to complain if you don’t participate in selecting who should be your candidate.”

He further emphasised that improving municipalities depends on voters electing capable councillors.

The 2026 Local Government Elections are scheduled for 4 November 2026. The IEC will issue the formal election timetable following the proclamation on Friday, 7 August 2026.

The next critical milestone is the registration deadline at midnight on 7 August 2026, after which the official voter roll for the 2026 elections will be finalised.