Government encourages South Africans to vote

(Image: Wikimedia Commons)

"In the spirit of the year-long celebration of 20 Years of Freedom, government joins the nation in anticipating a peaceful day of voting countrywide.

"To help ensure this happens, Ministers in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster have visited various parts of the country in the last two weeks to determine the state of readiness of the various security structures on the ground," said Acting Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) CEO Phumla Williams today.

During these visits, ministers interacted with the security structures on the ground, met with community leaders and interacted directly with communities. They have assured the nation that voting will take place in a safe environment.

Public holidays

Wednesday has been declared a public holiday to allow citizens to cast their votes at their respective polling stations.

Williams urged businesses that open on holidays to allow their employees to exercise their democratic to vote.

All voting stations will be open from 7am to 9pm.