'Get up. Show up. Vote': IEC unveils 2026 local govt elections campaign
The Commission unveiled its new campaign identity, 'Get Up. Show Up. Vote', describing it as a call to action aimed at energising voter participation and rebuilding confidence in the country’s democratic processes.
However, the Electoral Commission chairperson, Mosotho Moepya, warned that public trust in democratic institutions is on the decline.
He was speaking at the launch of a new logo and theme for the upcoming 2026/27 local government elections by the Electoral Commission of South Africa on Wednesday.
Moepya says South Africa’s democracy is facing a growing trust deficit, three decades after the first democratic elections.
He reflected on the country’s electoral journey, noting that while millions of South Africans have voted with hope and dignity over the years, many are now disillusioned as their lived realities have not improved as expected.
The chairperson adds that recent findings by the Human Sciences Research Council serve as a sobering reminder that public trust can no longer be taken for granted.
The newly launched logo and tagline are designed to reflect a forward-looking, voter-centric democracy, with a strong focus on increasing youth participation while reinforcing the Commission’s commitment to credible and accessible elections.
There you have it mzansi! 🇿🇦
— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) April 1, 2026
The 2026/27 Local Government Election Logo Campaign!
Get up, show up and vote! #wozalge2026 #registertovote #IEClogoreveal pic.twitter.com/3mBorbX7aC
‘SIMPLE BUT POWERFUL’
“This logo represents inclusive civic activism, shared patriotism, and national pride. It does not lecture, it does not demand, and it does not overcomplicate. It evokes a strong emotional resonance and inspires a collective sense of South African optimism.
"Anchored in this optimism, the logo will come to life during the Local Government Elections as a shared national asset belonging to all South Africans,” Moepya said.
The Commission says the launch signals that preparations for the elections are at an advanced stage, with the campaign set to be rolled out across multiple platforms.
As part of its efforts to broaden engagement, the IEC has also announced the launch of a new podcast channel aimed at improving transparency, access to information, and civic education.
The podcast is expected to go live on 8 April 2026.
In addition, a youth-focused edutainment reality series titled Beats for My Peeps will air on SABC 1 in May.
The show will bring together digital creators, musicians, and IEC representatives to encourage young South Africans to register, vote, and actively participate in shaping their communities.
Moepya has urged all stakeholders, including political parties, government institutions, and civil society, to support the Commission’s efforts to strengthen democracy.
“We call on all stakeholders to work with us in strengthening our democracy. This can only be achieved through collaboration with key partners,” he said.
The next key milestone will be the official launch of the national campaign on 27 May, followed by the first voter registration weekend scheduled for 20 and 21 June.
The Commission has encouraged eligible voters to check and update their registration details online to ensure they are correctly registered and able to vote at the appropriate station.
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