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

by
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.

View all

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

t r
Previous Story

Cape Town Residents Invited to Give Feedback on Traffic Calming Measures

g o
Next Story

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

Latest from Blog

racism slavery

A Disturbing Incident: Recollection of Slavery in a High School Incident

Students at a Cape Town high school were involved in a disturbing mock auction that resembled scenes from slavery. The incident, filmed and circulated on social media, triggered investigations by school officials and widespread indignation. A spokesperson for the Western Cape Education Department confirmed that the students’ actions were not in line with the values and principles of the department or the school. The incident highlights the need for ongoing dialogues about racial equality, mutual respect, and education on the lasting effects of historical crimes such as slavery.

ireland vfs global

The Evolving Global Travel Landscape: A New Chapter for South African and Botswana Nationals

South African and Botswana nationals now need to obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland, following the Irish Department of Justice’s appointment of VFS Global as its official partner for travellers from these two countries. The decision was made in response to a surge in International Protection applications from South African and Botswana nationals, and is aimed at aligning Ireland more closely with the Schengen Area. The move is part of a broader trend of countries modifying their immigration policies to balance security considerations, economic requirements, and aspirations to maintain an opendoor policy.

electric fence south africa

“Spearheading Safety: South Africa’s Revised Electric Fence Regulations”

South Africa’s Bureau of Standards has updated regulations for electric fences, with new rules requiring the use of premiumgrade materials, regular inspection schedules and enhanced testing methods after installation. The SANS 10222–3: 2023 Edition 5.1 requirements also include revised standards for warning sign placement and joint installation. Failure to comply with the standards can result in the denial of insurance claims, while consumers can request the Electric Fence System Installer number from installers and report improper conduct to the Department of Labour.

homelessness cape town

The Unfolding Homelessness Crisis in Cape Town’s Central Business District

The homelessness crisis in Cape Town’s CBD is becoming increasingly urgent, with hundreds of homeless individuals facing eviction. The city’s proposed solution, the Safe Spaces Initiative, provides shelter, meals, and vocational training to homeless individuals and is funded by the city. While some support the initiative as a way to preserve the dignity of the destitute, others argue for more comprehensive solutions, such as repurposing vacant buildings for permanent housing and addressing health and employment issues. The decision of how to tackle this issue has farreaching implications, making it a critical moment for the city.

south africa democracy

Examining the Path of Democracy: South Africa’s Transformation Over Thirty Years

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile emphasized the need for scientific and evidencesupported strategies to handle socioeconomic complexities, identified key issues integral to the nation’s developmental dialogue, including countering the impacts of climate change, capitalizing on the advantages of the African Continental Free Trade Area, and supporting peace initiatives on the continent. The conference reflected on the struggles, achievements, and aspirations of a nation striving to uphold principles of justice, equality, and social transformation.