The Department of Home Affairs will extend its operating hours nationwide this weekend to support the Electoral Commission of South Africa's (IEC’s) Voter Registration Weekend.

All Home Affairs offices across the country will open on Saturday and Sunday from 08:00 to 17:00.

Citizens are urged to visit their nearest branch to apply for a new card or collect their ready documents. More than 370 000 Smart ID cards currently sit uncollected at Home Affairs offices.

Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber emphasised that this initiative aligns with the department's long-term "Home Affairs @ home" vision to make services more accessible.

"By extending operating hours nationwide during Voter Registration Weekend, Home Affairs is making it easier for citizens to obtain the Smart ID Cards they need to register and participate in our democracy. We are bringing services closer to the people while advancing our commitment to delivering dignity for all,” Schreiber said.

The Electoral Commission has confirmed total readiness across all 23 706 voting stations nationwide, with 22 718 permanent stations, 960 temporary stations and 28 mobile stations for remote communities.

The national voters’ roll has grown to 28-million registered voters, up from 27.7-million during the 2024 general elections. While online registration remains a vital growth driver, physical registration is crucial for the upcoming local government elections.

In local government elections, voters must vote at the specific voting district where they are registered. There is no legal mechanism to vote outside your registered district.

The IEC urges all citizens to use this weekend to update their address details, and ensure they are placed in the correct ward segment.