Surge in registrations for S Africa's 2026 local elections

Surge in registrations for S Africa's 2026 local elections The Electoral Commission of South Africa recorded 2.9-million new registrations during the first voter registration weekend on June 20 to 21. This drive increased the national voters' roll to 28.5-million citizens ahead of the local government elections on November 4. However, political parties balanced optimism over youth turnout with deep alarm over localised violence and procedural integrity. ActionSA expressed dismay over the targeted killings of political figures during the registration drive. Cape Town mayoral candidate Dereleen James noted that five councillors and candidates lost their lives across the country over the weekend. The reported casualties included two political candidates killed in Cape Town, another two on the West Rand and the murder of a ward councillor in Gqeberha. James emphasised that political violence threatens active citizen participation and undermines constitutional democracy. The party called on the South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to prioritise these investigations swiftly. The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs raised urgent concerns regarding electoral integrity. A social media video surfaced showing an IEC official allegedly holding multiple identity documents at the Okela Primary School registration station. Committee chairperson Mosa Chabane warned that such incidents risk undermining election credibility. The committee directed the IEC to urgently investigate the station, submit a formal report outlining remedial actions, and deliver a comprehensive review of lessons learned from the weekend. SURGE IN YOUTH REGISTRATION Meanwhile, both the ANC and the IFP found encouragement in the high turnout of young citizens. Registrants between the ages of 16 and 29 accounted for 785 078 of the total transactions. IFP national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa stated the numbers show a growing awareness among youth. He urged party structures to intensify mobilisation before the second voter registration weekend on August 1 and 2. The ruling party called the weekend a victory for democratic resilience. The ANC congratulated the IEC staff and volunteers, while reaffirming its focus on strengthening service delivery at municipal level.