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The Presiding Officers of Parliament, led by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, today welcomed the overwhelming response from South Africans during the final voter registration weekend, ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.
 
The high turnout reflects citizens’ continued commitment to protecting and strengthening the country's constitutional democracy. The Presiding Officers thanked the millions of South Africans who took the time to register to vote or update their registration details.
 
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) announced that almost 1.8 million voter registration transactions were recorded over the weekend of 1–2 August, bringing South Africa's voters' roll to more than 29 million registered voters.
 
The strong public response to the registration weekend sends a positive message about the resilience of South Africa's democracy, particularly at a time when democratic participation is being tested in many parts of the world.
 
The participation of young people in the registration process is particularly encouraging. According to the IEC, almost 486 000 young people between the ages of 16 and 29 participated during the registration weekend, while 46% of all new registrations came from voters younger than 29. South Africans can register to vote from the age of 16 but can vote only when they turn 18.

The Presiding Officers also welcomed the large number of voters who updated their residential information. Accurate voter registration helps strengthen the credibility and integrity of local government elections by helping to ensure that voters cast their ballots in the correct voting districts.

The Presiding Officers commended the Electoral Commission, its more than 48 000 registration staff, political parties, community organisations and all stakeholders whose efforts ensured that registration centres across the country operated successfully throughout the weekend.
 
With online voter registration remaining open until 7 August 2026, the Presiding Officers encouraged all eligible South Africans who have not yet registered or updated their details to do so without delay.
 
*Eligible South Africans can register here: https://tinyurl.com/2u8ykvm2