By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) launched the National Results Operations Centre, colloquially known as the ROC at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg.
The centre serves as the main operational hub where election results are received, verified, and officially announced to the public.
The centre will also allow political parties to monitor their performance through live updates, while large screens display voter turnout and election statistics.
The system is intended to promote transparency by giving parties access to election information and an opportunity to raise formal objections through established procedures.
The launch comes after a technical glitch during the 2024 general election caused the leaderboard at the national results centre to go blank for about two hours.
With special voting set to take place on Monday and Tuesday, the majority of South Africans are expected to cast their ballots next Wednesday.
Speaking at the launch, IEC Chief Executive Officer Sy Mamabolo assured voters that the centre would ensure transparency throughout the vote-collation process.
“This result centre is not mere physical infrastructure. This result centre is something much greater that speaks to our constitutional ethos as an electoral democracy,” Mamabolo said.
“This ROC is the foundation that upholds our electoral transparency. It is, in fact, a temporary monument of electoral integrity.”
IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya said delivering a credible election required cooperation beyond the commission itself.
“This is just too big for the Electoral Commission alone. This afternoon, the Electoral Commission offers 29.2 million thank you’s, one for every unique citizen captured on our national voters’ roll. Behind each entry lies an individual, a story, a family, a community, a struggle, a shared aspiration and a will for democracy to prosper in our land,” Moepya said.
“More than 23,000 voting stations will be used across the country, while over 136,000 candidates are contesting the elections.”
“The national ROC will coordinate the monitoring and communication of results.
Independent audits had identified findings that were subsequently addressed, while five political parties had reviewed the results system without reporting material findings, added Moepya.
Moepya said public confidence had to be earned through transparency and accountability.
“Trust is never a permanent entitlement we have. It must be continuously earned through institutional transparency and behavioural compliance,” he said.
With preparations entering their final stage, the IEC is urging voters to participate in determining the future of their municipalities.
Meanwhile Home Affairs offices across South Africa will extend their operating hours next week to help voters collect identity documents before the Local Government Elections.
The department announced that all front offices will operate from 08:00 to 18:00 from 2 November to 4 November to ensure eligible voters can collect their IDs or apply for temporary identity certificates.
On election day itself, 4 November, Home Affairs offices will open from 07:00 to 21:00, matching the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s polling station hours.