It’s all systems go for the 2024 general elections taking place on 29 May. EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda has urged residents to exercise their democratic right to vote. He has also assured residents that service delivery units will be on high alert to respond if any issues arise on the day.

IT’S ALL systems go to ensure a smooth and incident free general election on 29 My 2024. There are only a few days left before the national and provincial elections gets underway and eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda has urged residents to come out in their numbers to exercise their democratic right to vote as enshrined in the Constitution of South Africa. Mayor Kaunda has issued a directive, through eThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele, that all service delivery units must be on high alert to ensure that there are no service delivery disruptions on election day. “We have also put rapid response mechanisms in place to respond to service delivery issues that may arise,” said Mayor Kaunda. Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Regional Outreach Officer Malusi Msomi said they are ready to ensure a smooth and safe election. All voting stations will be open from 7am to 9pm on the day. He said 80 percent of bulk material distribution has been completed, aside from sensitive and security material. “We have trained about 13 000 staff who will be responsible for special votes management, voting station management, area managers, and for the counting of votes,” said Msomi. He said there are 864 voting stations in the eThekwini Municipality area.

Voters must carry their green-bar-coded identity document, smart card identity document or a temporal identity document certificate to access the voting station and to be allowed to vote. Msomi said voting stations will have a billboard depicting three ballot papers to educate voters on what to expect inside the voting station. There are 52 political parties who will be competing on the national ballot paper. “Voters who have been granted a special vote permit will be allowed to vote on 27 and 28 May from 9am to 5pm. Voters who carry dangerous weapons and other objects will not be allowed to gain access to the voting station,” he said. 

Metro Police Spokesperson Boysie Zungu said they are working closely with the South African Police Service to maintain peace and order around voting stations on the day. Meanwhile, the City’s Community Participation and Action Support Unit together with the IEC conducted civic voter education campaigns in Amanzimtoti, uMlazi, KwaMashu, oThongathi, Kloof, and Wiggins recently. Chairperson of the Governance and Human Capital Committee Councillor Nkosenhle Madlala said voter education is crucial to help residents understand how to vote so that their votes do not get spoiled. “Over the past three decades, considerable progress has been made to improve the lives of those who suffered under colonialism and apartheid. We urge all registered voters to exercise their right to vote. The freedom and rights we enjoy today were hard won through the sacrifices of many brave compatriots. Let us honour their legacy by participating in this crucial democratic process. Every vote counts in shaping the future of our nation,” he said. 

khayelihle.sengani@durban.gov.za