Johannesburg – The Department of Home Affairs has announced that all offices nationwide will operate extended hours this weekend to support the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s (IEC) Voter Registration Weekend.
The IEC is urging all eligible voters to register this weekend.
Home Affairs offices will be open on:
- Saturday, 20 June 2026: 08:00 – 17:00
- Sunday, 21 June 2026: 08:00 – 17:00
Citizens can apply for a Smart ID Card or collect one that is ready.
More than 370 000 Smart ID Cards are currently awaiting collection across the country.
Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber emphasized the importance of the initiative, saying: “This weekend presents an important opportunity for South Africans to ensure that they are ready to exercise one of their most fundamental democratic rights.
“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.”
The department urged citizens not to delay, highlighting that an ID is essential not only for voting but also for accessing services and economic opportunities.
“Through initiatives such as this, and as part of our broader Home Affairs @ home vision, we are bringing services closer to the people while advancing our commitment to delivering dignity for all,” the department said.
The IEC recently revealed that only 28 million out of the country’s 38 million eligible voters are registered.
To assist eligible voters, the IEC states that there are 23 706 voting stations and more than 48 000 staff have been trained to run the voter registration effort this weekend.
The IEC said the two-day voter registration weekend also enables the Electoral Commission to ensure that voters’ details are accurately captured and updated, to ensure that voters are properly placed in the wards in which they ordinarily reside.
The Commission encourages all eligible citizens to make use of the Registration Weekend to secure their place on the voters’ roll and to participate in the 2026 Local Government Elections on 4 November 2026.
