The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has officially unveiled the new logo and tagline for the upcoming 2026/27 local government elections at an event held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.
No official election date has been announced, but the IEC expects voting to take place sometime between November 2026 and January 2027.
The slogan, “Get Up, Show Up, Vote”, is designed to encourage greater public participation and tackle voter apathy, particularly among young people. IEC CEO Sy Mamabolo described the tagline and logo as the product of research conducted with young persons. He said it is fresh, youthful, and appeals to personal agency, framing the act of voting as an opportunity for young people to “flex” and make their mark, likening their vote to planting a flag.
Mamabolo noted that the campaign addresses ongoing challenges like voter apathy, as highlighted in recent reports such as those from the HSRC. He emphasised that the message reminds citizens of their role in strengthening South Africa’s democracy.
To engage young voters specifically, the IEC has already launched a civic education campaign at tertiary institutions earlier this year. In April, it will roll out Schools Democracy Week. Additional initiatives include a postcard series created by young people to explain electoral concepts to their peers, as well as an educational series produced in collaboration with media partners. These efforts aim to speak to young people in language that resonates with them and address the lower turnout seen in previous elections.
Regarding election-day operations, the IEC plans to recruit around 70,000 people to assist at voting stations. In response to past criticisms about chaotic scenes and lack of experience at some stations, Mamabolo said the commission will place greater emphasis on experience when appointing presiding officers and deputy presiding officers. Candidates for these roles must have a track record of managing people, processes, and systems. While experienced individuals will take key leadership positions, unemployed youth and others will still be incorporated into other staff categories at voting stations. The goal, he said, is to achieve a balanced blend of experience and youthful energy for a smoother, more organised electoral process.
Independent elections analyst Michael Atkins welcomed the IEC’s intentional focus on youth engagement. He described the new tagline and campaign as a deliberate and well-considered step, reflecting significant thought and preparation rather than a rushed effort. Atkins acknowledged the commission’s challenging task amid declining voter turnout trends, particularly among young people, and noted that the IEC is taking concrete actions within its power to make a difference.
On the effectiveness of entertainment-based or edutainment approaches, Atkins said outcomes are difficult to predict in advance, but the key is whether the commission shows genuine ambition and follows through with practical steps. He pointed out that many factors affecting turnout lie beyond the IEC’s control, including the actions of politicians and political parties.
Atkins also highlighted the IEC’s ongoing civic education work in schools and tertiary institutions, which will intensify in the coming months. He suggested that broader society—including churches, schools, and community bodies—could play a larger role in fostering a culture of voting as a positive responsibility that gives life purpose and structure.
When asked about challenges in boosting youth turnout, Atkins praised recent improvements such as the online voter registration system, which he described as straightforward and user-friendly, with further streamlining planned. He encouraged societal groups to promote awareness of this option.
Atkins stressed that while the IEC must continue its proactive work, including consistent messaging and stronger social media presence, galvanising voters is ultimately a shared responsibility. Political parties and politicians bear significant influence through positive messaging and by focusing on effective service delivery in municipalities rather than internal power struggles. He advocated for objective, professional media coverage that reports both successes and failures without excessive personalisation or negativity, while still fulfilling the duty to tell the truth.
The unveiling of the logo and tagline marks an early but visible step in the IEC’s preparations for the local government elections, as the commission works to deliver a credible process and encourage South Africans to participate actively in shaping their communities.