The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in the Western Cape says its 1572 voting stations are ready to assist eligible voters this weekend. Saturday and Sunday marks the first voter registration weekend.

More than 3,1 million Cape residents are on the voters’ roll so far, with the IEC hoping to reel in more voters, by specifically targeting the youth. The commission held a briefing at its offices in Bellville this morning. Provincial electoral officer Michael Hendrickse explains why it’s vital for all South Africans to get registered:

“Get yourself registered and then you can make a call. Then you can make a decision about how you are going to hold your representatives accountable. When they come to your house to ask for your vote, ask them “what is your plan?” or “how feasible is your plan?” and “what has your track record been?””

Have queries about voter registration or anything related to the upcoming elections? We're here to assist! Contact us at 0800 11 8000. Open Mon -Fri, 8AM – 5PM. #SAelections24 pic.twitter.com/Xtxi04J2ZJ

— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) November 16, 2023

4698 staff members have been recruited to work at the province’s voting stations this weekend.

“So they IEC will be opening all our stations over the weekend. We will be waiting for South Africans to come. Bring your SmartCard ID, bring your green barcoded ID or temporary ID. Our teams will be waiting there to assist you.”

Home affairs offices will also be open this weekend, so assist with ID documents.

READ MORE: 26,2 million South Africans on the voters’ roll so far