South Africans in 24 municipal wards that will be conducting by-elections in December are encouraged to register this weekend.

Voter registration began at 8am on Saturday and will run until 5pm.

The voter registration drive will end on Sunday.

The by-elections will take place in all of the country’s nine provinces on December 9.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) will be using 118 voting stations for the voter campaign.  

“The registration weekend will allow all eligible voters to register while already registered voters will get an opportunity to check their registration details and provide updates where applicable,” says the IEC.

“Voters should take their identity document (ID) with them either a green barcoded ID book, a smartcard ID, or a valid Temporary ID Certificate. They will also need to complete their physical home address on registration or provide sufficient particularities of their place of residence. Documented proof of address (e.g. a municipal account) is not required.”

Voters may also check and update their details at their local IEC office weekdays during office hours.

The IEC has urged voters against breaking electoral laws by voting in wards in which they are not ordinarily resident.

Earlier in October, the electoral body successfully held registration for November by-elections, which will take place in 96 municipal wards.

It has said all the country’s by-elections will have to be held at least by February 2021, ahead of the national municipal polls projected to be held between August and November.