Voter Registration and Municipal Ward By-elections on 23 August 2023 - Cape Town Today
Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Voter Registration and Municipal Ward By-elections on 23 August 2023

2 mins read
v o

On the 23rd of August 2023, several municipal ward by-elections are set to occur. To ensure all eligible voters can participate, the Electoral Commission has organized a voter registration weekend for the relevant wards.

Voter Registration Weekend

On the 8th and 9th of July 2023, voting stations within the contested wards will be open from 08h00 to 17h00. Eligible voters can use this weekend to register, check their registration details and update their address details if necessary. To register, voters will need to bring their identity document, such as a green barcoded ID book, smartcard ID, or Temporary ID Certificate. Although documented proof of address isn’t required, voters must provide sufficient details of their place of residence.

Voters who are eligible may also update their details at their local office of the Electoral Commission (IEC) on weekdays during regular office hours. However, voters are warned that registering and voting in a ward where they are not ordinarily resident is considered a criminal offence.

The Municipal Ward By-elections

There are several wards in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, and North West areas where the by-elections will take place. These wards have experienced a councillor’s resignation or death, leading to vacancies that must be filled. The ward details are as follows:

Eastern Cape

  1. Ward 08 in Engcobo Municipality – EC137 (3,320 registered voters)
  2. Ward 12 in Engcobo Municipality – EC137 (3,076 registered voters)
  3. Ward 29 in Enoch Mgijima Municipality – EC139 (3,131 registered voters)

Gauteng

  1. Ward 102 in City of Johannesburg Municipality – JHB (18,939 registered voters)

North West

  1. Ward 25 in Madibeng Municipality – NW372 (7,498 registered voters)

Special Voting

On the 22nd of August 2023, special voting will take place at voting stations and through home visits from 08h00 to 17h00. To cast a special vote, voters can apply at their local IEC office during regular office hours from 7 August 2023 to 11 August 2023. Alternatively, they can apply online through the IEC website (www.elections.org.za). Once the application is processed, voters will receive an SMS notification about their special vote application’s outcome, and they can verify its status online.

For those who prefer to apply for special votes via mobile phone, they can SMS their identity number to 32249 (charged at R1). However, this option is only available to applicants casting a special vote at their voting station, not for home visits.

Contact Information and Safety Measures

For more information about the by-elections, voters can contact their local IEC office during regular office hours. Detailed contact information for all IEC offices is available on the IEC website (www.elections.org.za) under “Contact Us.”

Regarding safety measures, voters are no longer required to wear masks or face coverings within a voting station, although they may continue to do so at their discretion. Additionally, voters are no longer required to sanitize their hands upon entry to voting stations but may do so if they wish.

With the voter registration weekend set and by-elections scheduled, the Electoral Commission is ensuring that the democratic process remains accessible, allowing citizens to exercise their right to vote and contribute to their communities’ governance.

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

Cape Town Residents Invited to Give Feedback on Traffic Calming Measures

Next Story

A Flourishing Agricultural Future: Young Farmers Achieve Dreams Through Government Support

Latest from Blog

The Rise of Vaping Among South African Teenagers

Vaping is quickly becoming a popular habit among South African teenagers, drawn by sweet fruity flavors, flashy packaging, and the buzz on social media. Many teens vape to fit in with friends, feel cool and rebellious, or to escape stress and anxiety. However, what seems like harmless fun can quickly turn into addiction, affecting their health and wellbeing. Despite the risks, vaping is often misunderstood, making it harder for families and schools to stop this growing trend. It’s a serious challenge that needs everyone—parents, teachers, and leaders—to work together to protect young people’s futures.

South African Agriculture and the Changing Winds of Trade

Since 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has helped South African farmers sell fruits like avocados, wine, and citrus to the United States without paying extra taxes. This chance boosted farming communities, especially small farmers and women, by opening up new markets and encouraging growth. But recent U.S. tariffs threaten these gains, making it harder for farmers to compete and putting many livelihoods at risk. Still, South African farmers remain strong and hopeful, working hard to face these new challenges and keep their communities alive.

Trapped Abroad: Ashley Oosthuizen’s Journey Through Thailand’s Legal Labyrinth

Ashley Oosthuizen, a young South African woman, went to Thailand chasing her dreams but ended up trapped in a nightmare. After unknowingly signing for a package with illegal drugs, she was arrested and sentenced to over 13 years in prison, despite being innocent. Her mother moved to Thailand to fight for her, sharing Ashley’s story with the world and gaining support. Even when the real criminal confessed, the Thai courts kept Ashley behind bars. Her story is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change and the risks travelers face in foreign countries.

Shadows Along the Hennops: Three SAPS Officers Vanish and a River Gives Up Its Secrets

In April 2025, three South African police officers disappeared during a trip and were later found dead near the Hennops River, along with two others. Their white car vanished into the river’s dark, swirling waters, hiding clues and sparking a deep mystery. Families and the public mourned, demanding answers amid fears of foul play. The quiet river, once peaceful, now holds heavy secrets and reminds the nation of the dangers police face and the urgent need for justice.

Cape Town’s Boatbuilding: Crafting a Legacy on the Waterfront

Cape Town’s boatbuilding industry is a shining example of skill and tradition mixed with new technology. It creates beautiful, strong boats that are loved worldwide and supports thousands of jobs in the city. But now, new tariffs on exports, especially to the US, threaten this important work and the people who depend on it. Despite these challenges, boatbuilders, city leaders, and innovators are coming together to protect this proud craft. Their passion and teamwork fuel hope that Cape Town’s boatbuilding legacy will sail on strong into the future.