The past weekend saw the final voter registration get underway, with voting stations open across the country.

President Jacob Zuma announced on Wednesday, April 7 that the 2016 local government elections will be held on August 3. Local Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) officer Vusi Magubane said they welcomed and were well-prepared for the proposed date. He added that initially the IEC had been working towards early August and he expects smooth sailing.

Locals used the opportunity on Saturday and Sunday, April 9 and 10 to ensure they will be able to make their mark on August 3, when the municipal elections are held. Eligible voters slowly but surely stopped in to register at voting stations, which had their doors open from 8am until 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday the traffic at the 117 voting stations was very slow but picked up a great deal on Sunday afternoon.

“We were extremely busy on Sunday afternoon and we are happy with the turn out,” said Mr Magubane The commission is currently tallying up the number of new voters added to the roll.

Mr Magubane would like to encourage the community to exercise their right to vote and stop by at their offices to register to vote.
You may still make your way to the local IEC offices, which are near the municipal building in Victoria Street and is open from 8am to 5pm.