JOHANNESBURG – With the final registration weekend taking place on February 8 and 9, the elections will take place later this year on May 7.
During his address, President Zuma acknowledged the manner in which the country adheres to constitutional and democratic processes.
Zuma said, “We hold national general elections without fail every five years, which demonstrates the maturing of our democracy.”
The decision was made after meeting with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the premiers to discuss preparations for the elections.
The elections this year also commemorate South Africa’s 20th anniversary as a democratic country. South Africa as a country has progressed over the last 20 years since breaking the chains of apartheid in 1994.
Zuma told South Africans, “They provide an opportunity for us to further consolidate the democracy and freedom that we worked so hard to achieve, and for which esteemed South Africans such as former President Nelson Mandela sacrificed life’s comforts for.”
In his address, Jacob Zuma reminded every South African to go out in their thousands to register to vote this weekend February 8 and 9.
He emphasised, “This is the last registration period for this election, and nobody must miss this opportunity.
“We congratulate all first time voters, the 18 year olds. They are coming of age this year. They will be deciding the future of their beautiful country.”
Besides the 18 year olds who will be voting for the first time this year are 20 year olds who are seen as the ‘original born frees’
President Zuma also extended an invitation to the youth, urging them to register to vote in the cities and towns where they are studying and wherever they will be in May this year.
He said, “We rely on the youth to take the benefits of this freedom forward, and to build this country further. South Africa is their inheritance.
“We have worked hard to build a peaceful and stable South Africa from the ruins of apartheid violence, divisions and hatred.
“Let us make this a vibrant, robust, exciting, peaceful and most successful election, and maintain our track record of successful elections.”
