By OBAKENG MAJE
The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said on 29 May 2024, the country will hold elections for national and provincial government. He said many of them remember the historic Election Day in 1994, when they voted for the very first time for a democratic government of their choice.
“We all remember how we felt as we stood in long queues patiently waiting to cast our vote for a government of our choice. As we cast our votes, we were mindful of the weight of history.
“We were mindful of the fact that so many people had struggled and sacrificed for this right to vote and many had lost their lives in the cause of freedom. The right to vote has been the cornerstone of our democratic order and is enshrined in the Bill of Rights of our constitution,” he said.
Ramaphosa further as the people cast their ballot, firstly through special vote on 27 and 28 May 2024, and many of them on 29 May 2024, they will be demonstrating their faith in the democratic order. He added that, by placing their crosses on the ballot papers, they will be executing a responsibility that history has placed on their shoulders.
“Most importantly, you will be deciding for yourself the direction that our country should take and determining the path that we should follow to get there. By voting, you are taking responsibility for your future and the future of your community.
“Your vote is important and it counts. As the election campaigns have unfolded, we have shown that we are a diverse, tolerant, and free society where different views can be heard and are respected. Let us continue in this way and all work together to ensure that we have an election that is free, fair, and peaceful. I call upon you to go and vote,” he said.
Meanwhile, the National Joint Operations and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) Co-Chair, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said: “We are confident that the measures that have been put in place are sufficient to ensure that the country’s upcoming general elections proceed without any incidents of crime and disruptions.
“Having conducted a national security assessment with key role players in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, we are satisfied with the operational plan that is currently being implemented, and can assure South Africans that a conducive environment for a peaceful election has been prepared.”
Mosikili said while measures have been put in place, the ultimate responsibility of a safe and secure election lies with each one of them. She said it is a partnership that is required to create harmony, respect for self and others even as we make our way to the polls and back home.
The Guardian 