IEC announces second voter registration weekend after youth dominate turnout

The Electoral Commission (IEC) has announced a second voter registration weekend, set for 1 and 2 August, following a strong turnout by young South Africans during the latest registration drive ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

Close to 3 million voter registrations were recorded nationwide over the weekend of 20 and 21 June, which the IEC says reflects growing enthusiasm among young people to participate in elections. 

IEC chief, Sy Mamabolo, said during a briefing on Monday that of the 477,000 new registrations captured, 80% were from people aged between 16 and 29.

Key Demographic insights by Age:

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Out of the 2.9 million registration over Reg weekend:
🔹16 – 29 year olds recorded 785 078 registrations
🔹59% are females while 41% represents the males. pic.twitter.com/QPCGwxcm4E

— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) June 22, 2026

“Young people in the age cohort 16 to 29 account for 785,000 of total registration activity, which represents 27% of the 2.9 million transactions recorded. 59% are female, while 41% are male. This figure indicates that youth-focused campaigns are finding resonance with the young persons, and that far from it, young persons are not apathetic,” Mamabolo said.

The IEC says the latest registration drive has pushed South Africa’s voters’ roll to 28.5 million registered voters, up from 27.7 million during the 2024 national and provincial elections.

To build on this momentum, the Commission has opened another opportunity for eligible citizens to register or update their details at voting stations on 1 and 2 August.

In a further move to improve access, the Commission also confirmed that its Online Voter Registration Portal has now been zero-rated. This means South Africans can register, update their information and check their voter status without using mobile data.

The Commission says these measures are aimed at removing barriers to participation and strengthening electoral inclusion ahead of this year’s local government elections.

KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest number of registration transactions during the weekend, with more than 691,000, followed by the Eastern Cape with 534,000 and Gauteng with just over 502,000.

South Africans who have not yet registered are encouraged to use the online portal or take advantage of the second registration weekend ahead of the 4 November elections. 

Exactly what we love to hear!🎉First-time voters can register online at https://t.co/QFgJgjwl82 — any time, anywhere. Get Up. Show Up. Vote! #WozaLGE2026 https://t.co/fbqxC3QRfj

— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) June 21, 2026