Pretoria – Government has reminded all South Africans to go out in their numbers and register to vote during the final Local Government Elections voter registration this weekend.

The Electoral Commission on Thursday said all systems are ready for the final voter registration weekend to enable eligible voters to update their address details and first time voters to register at voting stations on 9 and 10 April 2016.

“South Africans are encouraged to be active participants in this democracy by exercising their democratic right to vote.

“The right to vote is a fundamental right enshrined in our Constitution. This right was fought for and countless people sacrificed and paid the ultimate prize for all us to realize this freedom.

“Citizens of this country have the right to elect representatives of their choice and have a say in how the country is governed,” said the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

The department said all eligible voters are urged to take advantage of the clarion call to get registered this coming weekend.

“Local government is in your hands: register to vote!” said the department.

The Municipal Demarcation Board has re-determined certain ward demarcations and municipal boundaries.

Therefore, the department said, first time voters and those who have voted before are advised to visit the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) voting stations in their districts.

“Eligible voters are advised to bring their green barcoded Identity Document or Smart ID card to verify their voting district details this weekend.

“This is a necessary step to ensure that individual details are correct as changes to ward or voting district boundaries may have impacted your registration status,” said the department.

Acting Cabinet spokesperson Phumla Williams said: “It is in our interest as government to see every South African who is eligible to vote registered”.

SOURCE: ALL AFRICA