DELMAS – The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has taken disciplinary and legal action against an electoral official following a voter registration incident in Victor Khanye that sparked political controversy during the recent voter registration weekend.
The incident, which occurred at Okela Primary School in Ward 9 on 21 June 2026, gained widespread attention after a video circulated on social media showing an IEC official allegedly in possession of multiple identity documents.
EFF Victor Khanye Party Liaison Committee member Lebogang Mayisa told the Highveld Chronicle that he was monitoring voter registration activities when he noticed what he believed to be irregularities.
According to Mayisa, he saw an ANC member with the school's principal, who was serving as the IEC station supervisor, before entering the registration room, where he allegedly found an IEC registration official with several identity documents belonging to different people.
"I immediately questioned whether such conduct was allowed under electoral legislation," Mayisa said.
He said he recorded the incident because he believed it warranted documentation and reported his concerns to the station supervisor.
Mayisa alleged that the supervisor did not immediately investigate the complaint.
"The conduct was questionable because when a concern is reported, a supervisor should investigate and establish the facts," he alleged.
He also claimed that an ANC member later described the incident as an "honest mistake".
The video was later shared on social media, prompting responses from both the EFF and the IEC.
Mayisa further alleged that election results recorded at the voting station during the 2021 Local Government Elections differed from figures he recalled as a party agent. However, he provided no documentary evidence to support the claim.
The allegations formed part of a complaint submitted by the EFF, which called for an investigation.
In response to questions from the publication, the IEC said voter registration procedures require each applicant to present their own identity document for verification and that the presence of multiple identity documents on a registration desk would not be consistent with standard procedures.
The Commission said it conducted an internal investigation and obtained statements from both the official involved and the station supervisor.
Following the investigation, the IEC opened a criminal case against the official, terminated her contract and barred her from future employment with the Commission.
The Highveld Chronicle also sought comment from the ANC Nkangala Region regarding Mayisa's allegations. However, no response had been received by the time of publication.
The IEC said no findings had been made regarding the broader allegations of electoral manipulation raised by Mayisa and that those matters remain under investigation.
The incident has renewed debate about electoral integrity and the importance of oversight during voter registration ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.
