Jumu’ah Bayaan Key Talking Points
Final Voter Registration Weekend: Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 August 2026
This document is a set of key talking points, not a full script. It is being piloted at masaajid across the country ahead of the final voter registration weekend for the 2026 Local Government Elections. Please adapt the language, length and emphasis to suit your congregation, and deliver the message in your own voice. The core call to action: register or check your registration before or on 1–2 August must be included.
1. Who is UUCSA?
The United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA) is a national umbrella body of 10 ulama formations, with a national footprint across South Africa.
UUCSA’s Political Strategy Committee coordinates the community’s civic and political engagement in a non-partisan manner.
2. Why is UUCSA doing this?
This is a civic responsibility campaign, not a partisan campaign. UUCSA does not endorse any political party or candidate.
Our communities are directly affected by local government – water, electricity, roads, clinics, safety, schools. Yet many Muslims are not registered to vote, or are registered at old addresses.
Disengagement is disempowerment. When good people withdraw, others decide the future of our communities for us.
3. Key talking points
Acknowledge the frustration honestly. Many are asking: why bother? Politicians break promises; corruption is rife; service delivery is failing. These are honest questions, but not voting does not punish politicians. It removes us from the conversation entirely.
Silence is not neutral. Not voting is a choice, and its consequences fall on our own communities, our water, our roads, our clinics, the safety of our streets. If we stay silent at the ballot box, we tell those in power that we do not care what they do.
Local elections are about your daily life. This is not the national stage. It is about who fixes the potholes on your street, who ensures your water runs, who is accountable for the clinic your mother visits and the park your children play in.
Every vote counts. Under proportional representation, parties receive seats in proportion to the votes they receive every single vote contributes to representation.
4. The urgent call to action: register this weekend
The final voter registration weekend is Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August 2026. This is the last opportunity to register or update your details before the Local Government Elections. You cannot vote if you are not on the roll – and if you have moved, you must re-register in your new ward.
You can register online, it takes only a few minutes. Visit registertovote.elections.org.za from your phone with your ID number. No queues, no forms, no cost.
Or visit your local IEC voting station on 1–2 August with your green ID book, smart ID card or temporary ID certificate.
Check your registration status now at elections.org.za, or SMS your ID number to 32810.
Tell someone else a family member, a neighbour, a colleague. Make sure your household is registered before the weekend is over.
If IEC representatives or volunteers are present at your masjid, announce where congregants can get assistance after salaah.
5. Closing message
Brothers and sisters, our system is not perfect, our choices are not perfect, but our responsibility is clear. We do not disengage from the world around us; we engage with wisdom and intention, knowing that every act done for justice and the welfare of people is fulfilling an Ammanah and part of our civic duty.
Do not let this weekend pass. Registration takes minutes, but the consequences of staying off the roll last five years. If you do nothing else this week, register, check your status, and bring your family with you. Disengagement is disempowerment and our communities cannot afford to be silent.
May Allah protect our community, hold the oppressive to account, and bless us with leaders who subscribe to the principles of honesty, justice and compassion. May He make our participation a means of khayr for us, our families, and all the people of this land. Ameen.
Resources
Register online: registertovote.elections.org.za (have your ID number ready – takes a few minutes)
Check your registration status: elections.org.za, or SMS your ID number to 32810
Final registration weekend: Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 August 2026, at your local IEC voting station (bring your green ID book, smart ID card or temporary ID certificate)
IEC contact centre: 0800 11 8000
UUCSA Political Strategy Committee: [ +27 79 548 8083 - WhatsApp line for masjid coordinators]
For further reading
“Is Voting Permitted in Islam?” – daruliftaa.com
“Is Voting Really Haram?” – islam21c.com
“Should British Muslims Vote?” – islam21c
.com
Fatawa on voting – askimam.org