The Department of Home Affairs says more than 360,000 identity documents are still uncollected at offices nationwide. Ahead of the final voter registration weekend for South Africa’s 2026 local government elections, the department extends its operating hours. Home Affairs urges eligible voters to collect their uncollected IDs and warns that those without documents may need to apply for Smart ID cards before registering to vote.
The department’s announcement focuses on ensuring that citizens can access the identity documents required for voter registration during the closing registration period. It also encourages people who have not yet collected their existing identity documents to do so during the extended hours, rather than leaving collection until after the voter registration window.
Overall, the move is intended to reduce the risk that uncollected documents prevent eligible voters from completing registration for the upcoming local government elections.
