Question 1

How do I register to vote in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

You can register online at registrations.elections.org.za or in person at any IEC office or voter registration station. You need your South African ID, cellphone number and residential address. Registration is free and you only need to register once.

Question 2

Who can vote in South African elections?

Accepted Answer

Any South African citizen who is 18 or older on election day and has a valid ID document, Smart ID Card or temporary identity certificate can vote. You must be registered on the voters' roll before it closes for that election.

Question 3

What is the difference between national, provincial and local elections?

Accepted Answer

National elections choose the 400 members of the National Assembly, which then elects the President. Provincial elections choose members of each provincial legislature, which elects the Premier. Local government elections choose ward councillors and proportional-representation councillors for municipal councils.

Question 4

How does proportional representation work in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

South Africa uses proportional representation for national and provincial elections. A party that wins roughly 30% of the vote gets roughly 30% of the seats. Independent candidates can also contest and receive seats based on their share of the vote.

Question 5

What is a coalition government in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

A coalition happens when no single party wins more than 50% of the seats in a council or legislature. The parties negotiate to form a government together. Coalitions are common in municipalities and can also occur at provincial or national level.

Question 6

How do I find my ward councillor?

Accepted Answer

Check your municipal website under 'Council' or 'Ward Councillors', use your IEC voter registration details to find your ward number, or contact your municipality's customer care line. Your ward councillor is the best first contact for local issues like potholes, refuse and water.

Question 7

How do I contact my MP or MPL?

Accepted Answer

Find MPs on parliament.gov.za, MPLs on your provincial legislature's website, and ward councillors on your municipal website. Email is best because it creates a written record. Include your address, a clear description of the issue and the specific action you want.

Question 8

What is PAIA and how do I use it?

Accepted Answer

PAIA is the Promotion of Access to Information Act. It lets you request records from government departments, municipalities and certain private bodies. Submit a request using the body's PAIA manual or request form, and they must respond within 30 days.

Question 9

How often are elections held in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

National and provincial elections are held every five years. Local government elections are also held every five years, but at a different time to national and provincial elections.

Question 10

Can South Africans abroad vote?

Accepted Answer

Yes. South Africans abroad can vote in national elections at designated South African embassies, high commissions or consulates. You must apply for a special vote before the deadline announced by the IEC.

Question 11

What does the IEC do?

Accepted Answer

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) manages all elections in South Africa. It maintains the voters' roll, runs voter registration, sets up voting stations, counts votes, announces results and resolves election disputes. The IEC is independent of government and political parties.

Question 12

How do I check my voter registration status?

Accepted Answer

You can check online at elections.org.za using the 'Check Your Voter Registration' tool, send your ID number to 32810 by SMS, or visit your local IEC office.

Question 13

What is a ward committee and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

A ward committee is made up of residents who advise the ward councillor on local issues. Committee members are usually nominated by community organisations and approved by the municipal council. Ward committees help identify community priorities and monitor service delivery.

Question 14

How can I attend a council meeting?

Accepted Answer

Most municipal councils and provincial legislatures allow the public to attend meetings. Check the council's website or notice board for meeting dates, agendas and the procedure for public participation. Some meetings also stream online.

Question 15

What is a motion of no confidence?

Accepted Answer

A motion of no confidence is a formal proposal that the council or legislature no longer has confidence in the executive mayor, premier, president or governing party. If it passes, the office bearer may be removed and a new government may be formed, sometimes through a coalition.

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