Cape town: As South Africa commemorates the 50th anniversary of the June 1976 Youth Uprising in Soweto, Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on young people to register to vote in the forthcoming local elections.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Electoral Commission will open 23,706 voting stations nationwide this weekend, June 20 and 21, 2026, with registration stations operating from 08h00 to 17h00. "I want to encourage young people to go out in their numbers to check their status and register to vote during this Voter Registration Weekend," Deputy President Mashatile stated in Cape Town on Thursday.
The Voter Registration Weekend provides an opportunity for eligible voters to ensure their details are accurately captured and updated. Mashatile made these remarks in Cape Town during a National Council of Provinces (NCOP) session while paying tribute to the youth of 1976. He acknowledged their courage and dedication to creating a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, united, and prosperous society.
Meanwhile, the Department of Home Affairs has announced extended office hours across the country this weekend to support the Voter Registration Weekend. Home Affairs offices will be open nationwide on Saturday and Sunday, facilitating citizens' access to Smart ID Cards needed for registration and participation in the 2026 Local Government Elections, scheduled for November 4, 2026.
Currently, more than 370,000 Smart ID Cards are awaiting collection at Home Affairs offices across the nation. Citizens are encouraged to visit their nearest Home Affairs office to apply for or collect their Smart ID Cards.