In the 12th episode of the official IEC podcast, host Kea Ncube sits down with Professor Vukosi Marivate, Professor of Computer Science and the ABSA UP Chair of Data Science at the University of Pretoria, where he leads the Data Science for Social Impact research group. His work focuses on artificial intelligence, machine learning and the use of data science to address societal challenges. In this episode, Prof Marivate breaks down the various factors through which disinformation is sown and spread, and the challenges faced by researchers in establishing safeguards against the kind of disinformation campaigns that have become a core problem in elections.

In this week’s episode, host Kea Ncube is joined by IEC Commissioner Mosotho Moepya for an insightful conversation on what it takes to deliver free, fair and credible elections.

In this week’s episode, host Kea Ncube is joined by IEC Deputy CEO: Electoral Matters, Masego Sheburi, who takes us through the key milestones on the road to 4 November 2026. DCEO Sheburi unpacks what proclamation is and what it means; what qualifies a political party or independent candidate to contest; candidate nominations and the 28 August deadline; the Electoral Code of Conduct; key steps in the election timetable, as well as what voters can expect in the build-up to Election Day.

Dr Sthe Mbete explores the powerful role women continue to play in South Africa’s democracy. Women make up 55% of the voters’ roll, while 57% of voters in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections were women. This has been a consistent trend since 1999, with women participating in elections at higher rates than men across age groups. Dr Mbete further unpacks what these statistics tell us about women’s participation in elections and the important role women play in strengthening our democracy. Watch, listen and join the conversation as we celebrate women’s voices, participation and their continued contribution to shaping South Africa’s democratic future.

In Episode 8 of the IEC Podcast, Kea Ncube is joined by Ms Votelwa Majola, CEO of Blind SA, alongside disability advocate Mr Tapp, for an important conversation on inclusive democracy and the participation of persons with disabilities. The discussion explores how the Electoral Commission is working to remove barriers and create an electoral environment where everyone can meaningfully participate in South Africa’s democracy.

In Episode 7 of the IEC Podcast, host Kea Ncube sits down with Moagisi Letlhaku, General Manager: Civic & Democracy Education, Research and Knowledge Management, to discuss why active citizenship is essential to a healthy democracy. The conversation explores youth participation, voter education, the impact of misinformation and disinformation, and the role every South African can play in strengthening democracy ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

Join host Kea Ncube and James Aphane, General Manager: Electoral Matters, as they unpack everything you need to know about the voters' roll. In this episode, they discuss how the Electoral Commission maintains the accuracy of the voters' roll; the processes used to verify voter registration information; the importance of checking and updating your registration details; who is responsible for confirming and maintaining citizenship records and, finally, how municipal boundary changes may affect the ward in which you are registered to vote.

In Episode 5 of the IEC Podcast, we unpack why voter registration matters, who should register or update their details, and how the IEC is preparing to welcome South Africans to registration stations across the country.

In Episode 4 of the IEC Podcast, we are joined by the IEC’s Local Electoral Project Officer for the City of Johannesburg, Letlhogonolo Mosuwe. In conversation with Keabetswe Ncube, Mosuwe unpacks the importance of the Schools Democracy Programme, a nationwide IEC initiative designed to bring democracy closer to young people. This episode explores how the programme is helping to nurture informed, active, and engaged future citizens. If you've ever wondered how the IEC is building a culture of democratic participation among young people, this episode is for you!

In Episode 3 of the IEC Podcast, Mmakgabo Ramatlhodi, Assistant Manager for Civic and Democracy Education (CDE), unpacks the purpose of the Tertiary Institution Campaign and the important role it plays in empowering and mobilising young people to participate in the electoral process. The conversation explores how the campaign seeks to cultivate a culture of active citizenship, democratic participation, and youth involvement ahead of #LGE2026.

Now that Election Day is set, it’s time to get informed! In Episode 2 of the IEC Podcast, we unpack a critical question shaping our democracy: why don’t young people vote? This conversation explores the reasons and challenges behind declining voter participation among “Born-Frees”, while highlighting why their voices matter ahead of the Local Government Elections on 4 November 2026.

In the premiere episode of the IEC Podcast, Electoral Commission CEO Sy Mamabolo sets the record straight on who the IEC is, what it stands for and what it actually takes to deliver free and fair elections in South Africa.