The Independent Electoral Commission will today conduct visits to 971 households and 135 voting districts’ for citizens who qualify for special votes.

KwaDukuza Mayor Ricardo Mthembu says he believes the district is ready for the elections.

He said political tolerance displayed in KwaDukuza in the run-up to the elections has also been excellent.

“We are impressed and certain that the general elections will be free and fair,” said Mthembu.

He appealed to everyone to come out in numbers on May 7 to cast their votes.

“By casting our votes, we will be giving more strength to the role played by government in fast tracking service delivery for all. We must be reminded that the future of this country rests in the hands of the people who live in it. The birth of democracy was hailed a miracle as this country was once chained in the shackles of oppression. South Africans owe it to themselves to take full credit of voting as this was one of the first tests of freedom and democracy.”

He said KwaDukuza is a better place to live in today than it was before 1994.

‘In KwaDukuza alone, 80% of the population has access to decent roads and electricity. KwaDukuza Municipality today stands head and shoulders above other municipalities in KwaZulu Natal in terms of financial stability following findings published by Ratings Africa, last year. We have a lot more good stories to tell, but, there are still those who question the amount of progress that we have made since 1994. The response is sound and clear, since service delivery is on top of our agenda.”