By Mthokozisi Mthethwa

The streets of Komati came alive over the weekend as residents made their way to voting stations to register for the upcoming 2026 Local Government Elections.

The atmosphere reflected a community preparing to have its voice heard at the ballot box.

Ward 4 voters were able to register or update their registration details at six voting stations across the area: Komati Library, Laerskool Koornfontein, Blinkpan Recreation Club, Bank Recreation Club, Allandale Combined School and Naledi Village.

Political party agents added colour and excitement to the registration weekend, driving through the streets with loud music, singing struggle songs and chanting slogans, encouraging residents to come out and register.

The first day saw an encouraging turnout, with many young people taking the opportunity to register as first-time voters.

Ward 4 Councillor Edward Nyambi spent the weekend visiting voting stations and engaging with residents, particularly young people, urging them to participate in the democratic process.

“It is important for young people to choose who they want to be their leaders,” said Nyambi. “That decision must be made on the ballot paper, not in the streets or during community meetings.”

Nyambi said he was pleased with the turnout throughout the ward and continued encouraging those who had not yet registered to make use of the final registration weekend.

He also noted that more than four political parties are expected to contest the Ward 4 election, giving residents a range of choices at the ballot box.

IEC Reports Strong Growth in Voters’ Roll

The weekend marked the country’s second and final national voter registration drive ahead of the Local Government Elections scheduled for 4 November 2026.

It followed the first registration weekend held on 20 and 21 June, during which millions of registration transactions were processed across the country.

The Electoral Commission (IEC) released its latest registration figures on Monday afternoon, revealing that more than 2.1 million new voters have been added to the national voters’ roll since the 2024 general elections.

Speaking after the registration weekend, IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said the majority of people intending to participate in the upcoming elections had already registered, making the weekend a final opportunity for those who were still unregistered.

“The majority of voters who intend to take part in this election had already registered. If you like, this was a sweeping exercise to give those who were still not registered a last opportunity to register,” Mamabolo said.

He described the addition of 2.1 million new voters over the past two years as a significant milestone.

Since the 2024 elections, we’ve added 2.1 million more voters onto the voters’ roll. That’s really the message that we want to drive, 2.1 million new voters onto the roll in the last two years. It’s a milestone, and I think we should celebrate it,” he said.

– iec ceo , Sy Mamabolo

“Since the 2024 elections, we’ve added 2.1 million more voters onto the voters’ roll.”

The registration campaign marked an important milestone in the country’s preparations for the November municipal elections, where South Africans will elect councillors responsible for leading municipalities and overseeing local service delivery.

For Komati residents, this election carries particular significance.

As the community continues to navigate life after the closure of the Komati Power Station and the ongoing Just Energy Transition, many hope the elections will bring leadership committed to creating opportunities, strengthening local services and restoring economic growth.

For a community determined to rebuild its future, every registered voter represents another voice in shaping what comes next.