Category: Article

  • South African Recruitment Agencies: Where To Send Your CV (2026)

    Looking for a job in South Africa is tough. The unemployment rate was 31.9% in the third quarter of 2025. For young people aged 15 to 24, it is even higher at 58.5%.

    That means many people are competing for every opening. You need every advantage you can get.

    One of the smartest things you can do is send your CV directly to recruitment agencies. These are companies that help employers find workers. They do the searching so you do not have to.

    The best part? It costs you nothing to send your CV to them.

    A big shoutout to HR Admin Esther M. This list is based on a LinkedIn post she shared to help job seekers. You can view her original post and connect with her here: Esther M. on LinkedIn. She put this list together so people like you could find opportunities without paying for expensive services.

    How To Use This List

    This list has 36 recruitment agencies in South Africa. They cover construction, engineering, mining, hospitality, admin, general work and technical jobs.

    Here is what you do:

    1. Pick the agencies that match the kind of work you want.
    2. Write a short email. Put “Application For Possible Employment” or the job title you want in the subject line.
    3. Attach your CV. If you do not have one, AK035 has a free CV builder tool to help you.
    4. Send your email to the addresses below.

    A quick warning: Some of these agencies might ask you to apply through their website instead. If the email bounces back, check their website for other contact options. Some agencies have different email addresses for different types of jobs.

    Construction & Engineering Agencies

    Built Recruitment
    Email: john@built.co.za
    Website: built.co.za

    Construct Executive Search
    Email: admin@constructexec.co.za
    Website: constructexec.co.za

    Construct Recruit
    Email: contact@constructrecruit.co.za
    Website: constructrecruit.co.za

    Construction Recruitment
    Email: info@constructionrecruitment.co.za
    Website: constructionrecruitment.co.za

    MC Technology Staffing
    Email: recruitment@mcstaffing.co.za
    Website: mcstaffing.co.za

    Worxs4u Recruitment
    Email: info@worxs4u.co.za
    Website: worxs4u.co.za

    Surge Staffing
    Email: info@surgestaff.co.za
    Website: surgestaff.co.za

    Execz Recruitment
    Email: info@execz.co.za
    Website: execz.co.za

    Phakisa
    Email: info@phakisa.co.za
    Website: phakisaholdings.co.za

    Aurex Constructors
    Email: info@aurex.co.za
    Website: aurex.com

    Mass Staffing Projects
    Email: info@massstaffing.co.za
    Website: staffingprojects.co.za

    RPO Recruitment
    Email: info@rpo-recruit.za.com
    Website: rporecruitment.co.za

    Tumaini Consulting
    Email: info@tumaini.co.za
    Website: tumaini.co.za

    Hire Resolve
    Email: info@hireresolve.us
    Website: hireresolve.co.za

    Goldman Tech
    Email: info@goldmantech.co.za
    Website: goldmantech.co.za

    MSP Staffing
    Email: info@mspstaffing.co.za
    Website: mspstaffingza.co

    TRS Staffing Solutions
    Email: africa@trsstaffing.com
    Website: trsstaffing.com

    SFG Engineering
    Email: info@sfgengineering.co.za
    Website: sfgengineering.co.za

    E&D Recruiters
    Email: admin@edrecruiters.com
    Website: edrecruiters.co.za

    General & Specialist Agencies

    Emporium Human Capital
    Email: jobs@emporium.co.za (or hospitality@emporium.co.za for hospitality jobs)
    Website: emporium.co.za

    The Vine Partners
    Email: ruan@thevinepartners.co.za
    Website: thevinepartners.co.za

    Network Recruitment
    Email: info@networkrecruitment.co.za
    Website: networkrecruitment.co.za

    Fempower
    Email: info@fempower.co.za
    Website: fempowerpersonnel.com

    Talent Evolution
    Email: info@talentevolution.co.za
    Website: talentevo.co.za

    Placement Point
    Email: info@placementpoint.co.za
    Website: placementpoint.co.za

    O’Brien Recruitment
    Email: info@obr.co.za
    Website: obr.co.za

    CA Support
    Email: info@casupport.co.za
    Website: casupport.co.za

    RedCat Recruitment
    Email: admin@redcatrecruitment.co.za
    Website: redcatrecruitment.co.za

    Top Talent
    Email: info@toptalent.co.za
    Website: toptalentps.co.za

    Key Recruitment
    Email: info@keyrecruitment.co.za
    Website: keyrecruitment.co.za

    Latitude Resource
    Email: info@latituderesource.co.za
    Website: latitude-resource.co.za

    West Coast Personnel
    Email: jobs@wcpersonnel.co.za
    Website: westcoastpersonnel.co.za

    Express Employment
    Email: jobs@expresspros.co.za
    Website: expresspros.co.za

    Time Personnel
    Email: info@timepersonnel.co.za
    Website: timepersonnel.co.za

    People Dimension
    Email: info@peopledimension.co.za
    Website: peopledimension.co.za

    Communicate Recruitment
    Email: info@communicate.co.za
    Website: communicate.co.za

    Before You Send Your CV

    Check your CV. Make sure your contact details are correct. If your CV needs work, use the free CV tools on AK035.co.za. We have a CV builder, career guidance tools and job searching resources, all completely free.

    Use free Wi-Fi. If you do not have data, visit a public library. Many libraries in South Africa offer free Wi-Fi. In Johannesburg, 36 public libraries have free Wi-Fi through Wits University. You can also check your local library to see if they offer free internet.

    Keep it simple. You do not need a fancy email. Just be polite and clear. Tell them what kind of work you are looking for and attach your CV.

    Checklist

    • Choose 5 to 10 agencies from the list that match your skills
    • Update your CV with your current contact details
    • Write a short email with a clear subject line
    • Attach your CV (PDF works best)
    • Send your email
    • Wait for a response. If you do not hear back in two weeks, follow up or send to more agencies

    Share this with someone who needs a job. Finding work is hard enough. Help a friend or family member by sending them this list. The more people know about these agencies, the better their chances.

    Need help with your CV? Visit AK035.co.za for free CV tools, career guidance and job searching resources. Everything is free. Everything is built for South Africans.

    References

    M., E. 2026. Recruitment Agencies South Africa List. LinkedIn. Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7473816626073759744/ [Accessed 19 June 2026].

    Statistics South Africa. (2025). Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) – Q3:2025. Available at: https://www.statssa.gov.za [Accessed 19 June 2026].

    Statistics South Africa. (2025). Beyond the Unemployment Rate: A Broader Look at Labour Underutilisation. Available at: https://www.statssa.gov.za [Accessed 19 June 2026].

    Wits University. (2025). Wits enables free Wi-Fi at public libraries in Jozi. Available at: https://www.wits.ac.za [Accessed 19 June 2026].

  • Make Money Online in South Africa: 12 Platforms That Actually Pay

    These platforms are not get-rich-quick schemes. They take time and consistency. But they are real, and South Africans use them every day.

    Most of these platforms are free to join. Where a cost applies, it is clearly noted below.

    The platforms are split into two groups. Passive platforms earn money in the background with little ongoing effort. Active platforms pay you for tasks you complete.

    All links in this post are referral links from Lungelo Shandu. When you sign up through a referral link, you and Lungelo may both receive a small bonus. If a link does not work, you need help, or you want to report one of the links, email lungelo@ak035.co.za.

    Passive Income Platforms

    Set these up once and let them run. They work best with a stable Wi-Fi connection.

    Share Your Internet Connection and Get Paid

    Three platforms below pay you to share your unused internet bandwidth. Companies pay to access this shared data for checking website prices, testing apps, and gathering online information. You earn while doing nothing extra.

    Important: Run a maximum of two of these apps on the same network at any one time. Good pairings are EarnApp + Honeygain or EarnApp + Pawns.app. Running all three on one connection at the same time reduces your earnings and may slow your internet.

    EarnApp

    Who is it for? Anyone with a phone, laptop, or tablet and a stable internet connection. It works in South Africa.

    What does it do? It runs quietly in the background and shares your unused internet connection with paying clients. You earn in US dollars for every gigabyte shared.

    Where do you sign up? Here: earnapp

    Why use it? It is transparent about how your data is used and is one of the most widely trusted bandwidth-sharing platforms available.

    Honeygain

    Who is it for? South Africans with home Wi-Fi or a data-rich mobile plan.

    What does it do? It pays you for sharing your internet connection in the background. You receive a $2 starter gift when you join through the referral link.

    Where do you sign up? Here: honeygain

    Why use it? The $2 bonus puts money in your account from day one. You can install it on more than one device to increase your earnings.

    Pawns.app

    Who is it for? Anyone with a smartphone and a valid email address.

    What does it do? It shares your unused bandwidth and pays you for completing surveys. Signing up with the referral link adds $1 instantly to your balance. You also get a $1 boost on your first and second withdrawals.

    Where do you sign up? Download from Google Play or the App Store. Referral link: Pawns.app

    Why use it? You earn from two sources at once: bandwidth sharing and surveys. The sign-up bonus gives you a running start.

    Sweatcoin

    Who is it for? Anyone who walks. No gym, no equipment, no special fitness level required.

    What does it do? It uses your phone to count your steps and converts them into Sweatcoins, a digital currency. You redeem these for products, vouchers, or cash. If you have an online following, you can apply to become a Sweatcoin Influencer and earn more.

    Where do you sign up? Here: Sweatcoin

    Why use it? Your daily walk already earns you nothing. Sweatcoin changes that without any extra effort.

    EasyEquities

    Who is it for? South Africans who want to invest but do not have much money to start. You can begin with as little as R5.

    What does it do? It lets you buy shares in South African and international companies. Over 2 million investors have already joined.

    Lungelo personally uses Money Markets (also called unit trusts) and ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds). A Money Market is a type of investment fund that keeps your starting amount safe while earning a small return. It can also pay a monthly income if you select the right one. An ETF is a basket of different company shares bought as one investment, which spreads your risk automatically.

    Where do you sign up? Here: EasyEquities. You receive R50 on registration. (Terms and conditions apply.)

    Why use it? It is regulated by the FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority), South Africa’s financial regulator. EasyEquities makes investing accessible to ordinary South Africans without high broker fees.

    Important: Speak to an accredited financial adviser before you invest. Investments carry risk. Never put in money you cannot afford to lose.

    Active Income Platforms

    These platforms pay you for completing tasks. The more you do, the more you earn.

    PaidWork

    Who is it for? Anyone with a phone who wants extra income. Lungelo highly recommends this platform for people who are unemployed.

    What does it do? It offers six types of earning tasks, including watching adverts, completing surveys, testing apps, and more. You pick what suits your time and device.

    Where do you sign up? Here: PaidWork

    Why use it? Six different task types mean six different ways to earn. You are never limited to one method.

    Clickworker

    Who is it for? Anyone with a phone or computer who wants flexible extra income with no fixed hours.

    What does it do? It pays you to complete small online tasks, including taking photos, recording your voice, testing apps, and completing surveys. You choose when and for how long you work.

    Where do you sign up? Here: Clickworker

    Why use it? Thousands already use Clickworker as a regular side income. You set your own schedule.

    TaskPulse

    Who is it for? Anyone who uses social media and wants to earn from simple online tasks.

    What does it do? It connects advertisers with real people who complete tasks like visiting websites, following social media pages, or testing online content. You earn for every valid task completed.

    Where do you sign up? Here: TaskPulse

    Why use it? Every task is done by a real person, not a bot. Real effort earns real rewards.

    Snap n Save

    Who is it for? Anyone who shops at South African supermarkets or retail stores.

    What does it do? You photograph your till slip (receipt) and upload it to the app. You earn cashback or rewards on qualifying purchases. Free to download.

    Where do you sign up? Here: Snapnsave

    Why use it? You are already shopping. A quick photo of your receipt earns you something back at no extra cost.

    RouteNote (For Musicians)

    Who is it for? South African musicians, producers, and artists who want to earn from their music.

    What does it do? It distributes your music for free to Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms worldwide. It protects your music using Content ID, so others cannot use it without you being paid. RouteNote also offers Publishing Admin, which means they help you collect every royalty you are owed from every platform.

    Where do you sign up? Here: Routenote

    Why use it? Free global distribution with royalty protection. No upfront costs.

    You should also register with SAMRO (Southern African Music Rights Organisation) and CAPASSO (Composers, Authors and Publishers Association of South Africa). These are PROs (Performing Rights Organisations) that collect money on your behalf when your music plays on the radio, TV, in shops, or in any public space.

    • Register with SAMRO at: Samro
    • Register with CAPASSO at: Caapasso

    Note: Do not upload AI-generated music. Platforms will remove it.

    Tools to Build Long-Term Income

    Webway.host

    Who is it for? Students, small business owners, bloggers, photographers, or anyone who wants an online presence.

    What does it do? It lets you register a website name (called a domain) and get affordable hosting. You can build a personal portfolio, an online shop, or a blog without any programming background. You learn as you go.

    Where do you sign up? Here: Webway.host

    Why use it? A website is a long-term asset. It can earn money through adverts, product sales, or services for years after you build it. You can even build them for others.

    Note: Domain registration and hosting are paid services. Visit the site for current pricing options.

    Alison

    Who is it for? Anyone who wants to learn a new skill, strengthen their CV, or move into a new career.

    What does it do? It gives you access to thousands of free online courses covering IT, business, health, languages, and more. The Alison app lets you download course content on Wi-Fi and study later without using data. Finishing a course gives you a free Learner Record as proof of completion. Certificates and Diplomas are paid. The learning itself is always free.

    Where do you sign up? Here: Alison

    Why use it? Skills open doors to better income. Alison removes the cost barrier so anyone can learn.

    Your Quick-Start Checklist

    • Download EarnApp and set it up on your phone or laptop
    • Add one more bandwidth app: Honeygain OR Pawns.app (not both on the same connection)
    • Download Sweatcoin and start earning from your daily walks
    • Sign up on PaidWork and explore the six earning types
    • Download Snap n Save before your next shopping trip
    • If you make music, join RouteNote and register with SAMRO and CAPASSO
    • If you want to invest, visit EasyEquities and speak to a financial adviser first
    • Start a free course on Alison today
    • Free Wi‑Fi spots like libraries, community centres, and some McDonald’s outlets can save your data while you download apps or complete tasks.
    • Visit AK035.co.za for free CV tools, career guidance, and job searching resources built for South Africans

    Share this with someone who needs it. Drop it in your WhatsApp group, post it on your timeline, or tag a friend who is looking for extra income.

    All referral links are from Lungelo Shandu on behalf of AK035. For help or broken links, email lungelo@ak035.co.za.

    Share this with a friend who is looking for side income. Tap your WhatsApp icon and send it now. The more South Africans who know these things, the stronger we become.

    References

    EarnApp (2026) EarnApp – Make Money Sharing Your Internet. Available at: https://earnapp.com/i/2cjGcBDK (Accessed: 17 June 2026).

    EasyEquities (2026) EasyEquities – Invest in Shares and ETFs. Available at: http://bit.ly/2SKi8ym (Accessed: 17 June 2026).

    Honeygain (2026) Honeygain – Get Paid for Unused Internet. Available at: https://join.honeygain.com/LUNGZBDB (Accessed: 17 June 2026).

    Pawns.app (2026) Pawns.app – Share Internet, Earn Money. Available at: https://pawns.app/?r=523240 (Accessed: 17 June 2026).

    Paidwork (2026) Paidwork – Multiple Ways to Earn Online. Available at: https://www.paidwork.com/?r=lungza7 (Accessed: 17 June 2026).

    RouteNote (2026) Free Music Distribution. Available at: https://www.routenote.com/rn/referral/2f867887 (Accessed: 17 June 2026).

    SnapnSave (2026) Snap Your Till Slip, Get Cash Back. Available at: https://www.snapnsave.co.za/ (Accessed: 17 June 2026).

    Sweatcoin (2026) Sweatcoin – Turn Steps Into Rewards. Available at: https://swcapp.com/i/lungelo219899 (Accessed: 17 June 2026).

    WebWay Host (2026) Domain and Hosting Services. Available at: https://portal.webway.host/aff.php?aff=1003 (Accessed: 17 June 2026).

  • How to Use Alison.com for Free Learning

    Alison.com lets you study online for free. You do not pay to learn, but you do pay if you want a certificate. Yet, you can still prove you finished a course. Alison gives you a free Learner Record and free Learner Verification to show your work.

    This post shows you how to sign up, pick the right course, study, and download your free proof of completion. Use the AK035 career guidance tool first to help you choose the best course for your goals. Do not go in blind to avoid being overwhelmed.

    Free vs Paid: What You Get

    OptionCostWhat You ReceiveHow to Use It
    CertificatePaidOfficial certificateHang it on your wall or add to your CV
    Learner RecordFreeDigital record of completionShare the link with employers
    Learner VerificationFreeProve your record is realEmployers can check online

    You do not need to pay to learn or to prove you finished a course.

    How to Sign Up on Phone or Computer

    On a Phone

    1. Open your browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Safari).
    2. Go to Alison’s homepage.
    3. Tap Sign Up.
    4. Fill in your name, email, and a password.
    5. Tap Create Account.
    6. Check your email. Click the link Alison sends you.
    7. Download the app or continue using your browser to sign up for courses and learning.

    On a Computer

    1. Open your browser.
    2. Go to Alison’s homepage.
    3. Click Sign Up.
    4. Fill in your name, email, and a password.
    5. Click Create Account.
    6. Check your email. Click the link Alison sends you.

    Pick the Right Course with AK035

    Do not guess which course to take. Use the AK035 career guidance tool first. It asks you questions about your skills and interests. It then shows you jobs and courses that fit you. This saves time and helps you pick a course that matches your career goals.

    Course Categories for South African Job Seekers

    Alison offers courses in many fields. Here are some that help South Africans find work:

    • Business and Entrepreneurship: Learn to start a business or work in an office.
    • Health and Safety: Get skills for jobs in hospitals, clinics, or construction sites.
    • IT and Digital Skills: Learn to use computers, code, or fix tech problems.
    • Language and Communication: Improve your English or learn another language.
    • Teaching and Education: Train to become a teacher or tutor.

    How to Study and Pass

    1. Find a Quiet Spot: Study where it is quiet. A library or a quiet room at home works well.
    2. Use Free Wi-Fi: Go to a mall, library, or café with free Wi-Fi if you do not have data.
    3. Take Notes: Write down key points on paper or in a free app like Google Keep.
    4. Focus on One Course: Do not start many courses at once. Finish one, then move to the next.
    5. Complete Assessments: Each course has tests. You need 80% or more to pass.
    6. Download Your Proof: After you pass, go to your dashboard. Click Learner Record or Learner Verification to download your free proof.

    Why Free Learning Matters in South Africa

    Many people in South Africa want to learn new skills but cannot afford courses. Alison.com removes this barrier. You can study at home, at a library, or anywhere with internet. No travel costs. No course fees. You only need time and effort.

    With your free Learner Record, you can show employers you have the skills they need. This helps you get a job or move up in your career.

    Reference List

    Alison.com. (no date) Frequently Asked Questions. Available at: https://alison.com/ (Accessed: 5 June 2026).

    Share this post with someone who wants to learn for free!
    Visit ak035.co.za for more career tips.

    Website List

  • How to Vote in South Africa: A Simple Guide for 2026

    The 2026 South African municipal elections will be held on 4 November 2026 across South Africa. When we vote for these, we elect councils for all districts, metropolitan and local municipalities in each of the country’s nine provinces. Your vote belongs to you. No one else can tell you how to mark your ballot paper. This guide explains how to register, how to find out what each party really stands for, and how to spot the tricks that try to steal your vote before you even reach the voting station. No jargon. No fancy words. Just what you need to know.

    1. Registration: Get Your Name on the Voters’ Roll

    You cannot vote if you are not registered.

    Check your status (free):

    • Visit the IEC website: www.elections.org.za
    • Send an SMS with your ID number to 32810 (standard network rates apply)
    • Download the IEC South Africa app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store

    If you are not registered or you have moved:

    • Online: Go to registertovote.elections.org.za. You will need a phone that connects to the internet. If you do not have data, find a free Wi-Fi spot (libraries, Thusong centres, community halls, some chain restaurants, and all Tshwane Free Wi-Fi zones).
    • In person: The IEC holds national voter registration weekends. The first registration weekend for the 2026 Local Government Elections is 20–21 June 2026. Go to the voting station in the area where you live. Bring your South African ID book or card.

    Important: In local elections, you vote at the station where you are registered. If you are registered in Soweto, you cannot vote in Randburg. Your ward councillor represents your home community.

    2. National vs. Local Elections: Why This Matters

    South Africa runs two different kinds of elections on different calendars. You must understand what each vote does. A total of 508 political parties registered to participate in the elections. The total number of voting districts heading into the elections was 4,488. The total number of voting districts heading into the elections was 4,488.

    National / Provincial ElectionsLocal Government (Municipal) Elections
    What you chooseMembers of Parliament (National Assembly) and Members of Provincial LegislaturesWard councillors and municipal councils
    SystemProportional representation (PR) using party listsMixed system: ward ballot (choose a person) + PR ballot (choose a party)
    Next dateBy 20294 November 2026
    Ballot papersOne national, one provincialTwo or three, depending on your municipality (ward + local PR + district PR in some areas)

    In local elections, you will receive more than one ballot paper. Read the instructions on each one. Ask an IEC official if you do not understand. They cannot tell you who to vote for.

    3. A 5-Step Plan to Check Every Party Before You Vote

    Social media is full of noise. Use these steps to cut through it.

    Step 1: Find which parties are running in your area.

    • Open the IEC website or app. Look for the list of registered parties and candidates for your ward and municipality.

    Step 2: Check how long the party has been ruling.

    • Write down the name of your municipality. Search “Name of your municipality mayor” or visit the municipal website.
    • Ask: Has the same party controlled this council since 2000? Has anything changed?

    Step 3: Look at the seats they hold.

    • A party that holds 80% of the council seats does not need to listen to anyone else. That can be good for speed, or dangerous for accountability.
    • Search “your municipality election results” on the IEC results dashboard.

    Step 4: Read the manifesto.

    • A manifesto is the party’s plan. It tells you what they promise to do if they win. Get it from the party’s official website. Do not rely on a WhatsApp screenshot.

    Step 5: Check the audit report.

    • Visit www.agsa.co.za and look for your municipality’s latest audit outcome. Or type “AGSA municipal audit report [your municipality name]” into a search engine.
    • The Auditor-General checks whether money was spent correctly. A “clean audit” means the books are in order. A “qualified” or “disclaimer” audit means something is wrong.

    4. Manifesto Deep-Dive: How to Read a Promise

    A manifesto is the party’s written plan. If a party has no manifesto you can read, that is your first red flag.

    How to find a manifesto:

    1. Go to the official party website. Look for a link called “Manifesto,” “Our Plan,” “Policies”, or “Documents.”
    2. If you cannot find it, search the party name plus the word “manifesto 2026” in a search engine.
    3. Many parties also post their manifestos as PDF downloads.

    What to look for:

    • Jobs: Do they say exactly how many jobs, in which sectors, and by when?
    • Housing: Do they name areas, or just say “more houses”?
    • Water and Sanitation: Is there a plan to fix leaks, build treatment plants, or stop raw sewage from running into rivers?
    • Safety: Do they talk about visible policing, functioning streetlights, or community safety forums?
    • Education: Do they commit to libraries, after-school programmes, and bursaries?
    • Corruption: Do they say how they will protect whistle-blowers and punish people who steal public money?

    Red flags in a manifesto:

    • “We will fight for”, but never says how.
    • “We will create jobs”, but no number and no date.
    • Blames another party for everything but offers no fix.
    • Colour and music in the video, but nothing you can hold anyone to.

    Compare parties side by side:

    Take a piece of paper. Draw three columns: Your Area’s Problem | Party A’s Plan | Party B’s Plan. Fill it in from the manifestos. If a column is empty, that party has given you nothing to trust.

    5. Social Media Warning: Paid Posts Do Not Equal Popularity

    Some political parties pay people to pretend they are supporters. These people are called influencers. Some are paid as little as R50 to R250 per post. A GroundUp investigation in 2024 found political parties paying influencers to spread messages across social media platforms.

    Signs an account might be paid:

    • It posts the same message over and over in one day.
    • It tags many other accounts to spread the post.
    • It only appeared during election season and has no normal conversations.
    • Its bio says “DM for promotions” or “brand ambassador.”

    Rule of thumb: If you see a message that makes you angry or scared, check it before you share it. Your anger is being used to win votes.

    6. Election Day Procedure

    Voting stations are open from 07:00 to 21:00.

    What to bring:

    • Your green South African ID book or smart card. A driver’s licence does not work.

    Step by step:

    1. An IEC official scans your ID or checks it against the voters’ roll.
    2. Your name is marked off. You cannot vote twice.
    3. You get your ballot papers. Count them. If you are in a metro, you should get two: a ward ballot and a PR ballot. If you are in a district municipality, you may get a third.
    4. Go to the voting booth. No one may watch you mark your ballot.
    5. Make one clear mark, an X next to your chosen candidate or party on each ballot.
    6. Fold each ballot so your mark cannot be seen.
    7. Drop the correct ballot into the correct box. The boxes are labelled. Read the label.
    8. Your left thumb is inked. This is proof you voted. The ink wears off after a few days.

    If you make a mistake: Return the spoiled ballot to an IEC official and ask for a new one. You are allowed only one replacement.

    If you need a special vote: Apply online at elections.org.za or SMS your ID number to 32249 before the deadline. Special votes are for people who are pregnant, have a disability, or cannot reach the station on election day.

    7. Your Vote Is a Secret Protected by Law

    Section 19(3) of the South African Constitution says every adult citizen has the right to vote in secret.

    No one can force you to show them your marked ballot. Taking a photo of a ballot paper that shows how someone voted is a criminal offence.

    Employers, party agents, neighbours, partners, none of them can lawfully demand to know how you voted. If someone threatens you, report it to the IEC or the police.

    8. Final Checklist Before You Vote

    • I have checked my registration at www.elections.org.za.
    • I know where my voting station is.
    • I have my green ID book or smart ID card ready.
    • I have read the manifestos of at least two parties standing in my ward.
    • I have looked up my municipality’s audit outcome on www.agsa.co.za.
    • I know the difference between my ward ballot and my PR ballot.
    • I have checked if any social media posts I shared were from paid accounts.
    • I know that my vote is secret and I do not have to tell anyone how I voted.

    Share this guide with your family group, your friends and even your neighbours. The more we know, the harder it is for anyone to steal our future.

    For more free, simple guides on civic education, careers, and your rights, visit ak035.co.za. You will also find free CV tools, career guidance resources, and job searching help, all built for South Africans, no payment needed.

    References

    AGSA (2026) Municipal Audit Reports. Available at: https://www.agsa.co.za/Reporting/MunicipalAuditReports.aspx (Accessed: 27 May 2026).

    GroundUp (2024) ‘Political parties paying social media influencers’, GroundUp, 20 March. Available at: https://www.groundup.org.za/article/political-parties-paying-social-media-influencers/ (Accessed: 27 May 2026).

    IEC (2026) Check Your Registration Status. Available at: https://www.elections.org.za/pw/Voter/Check-Your-Registration-Status (Accessed: 27 May 2026).

    IEC (2026) Online Voter Registration. Available at: https://registertovote.elections.org.za (Accessed: 27 May 2026).

    IEC (2026) Special Vote Applications. Available at: https://www.elections.org.za/pw/Voter/Special-Vote (Accessed: 27 May 2026).

    IEC (2026) Voter Registration. Available at: https://www.elections.org.za/pw/Voter/Voter-Registration (Accessed: 27 May 2026).

    IEC (2026) Election Results Dashboard. Available at: https://results.elections.org.za (Accessed: 27 May 2026).

    PMG (Parliamentary Monitoring Group) (2026) Home. Available at: https://pmg.org.za (Accessed: 27 May 2026).

    Republic of South Africa (1996) The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996. Available at: https://www.gov.za/documents/constitution-republic-south-africa-1996 (Accessed: 27 May 2026).