Phuti Mosomane
President Cyril Ramaphosa has finally announced Wednesday 29 May 2024, as the date for the 2024 General National and Provincial elections.
In a statement on Tuesday evening, spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa has in accordance with section 49(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, read with section 17 of the Electoral act of 1998, determined 29 May 2024, as the date for the 2024 General National and Provincial elections.
“The President has also, in line with section 17(2) of the Electoral act 73 of 1998, consulted with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on the election date. Furthermore, the President convened a meeting with all 9 Provincial Premiers and the IEC to discuss the state of readiness for the General elections,” he said.
The 2024 elections coincide with South Africa’s celebration of 30 years of freedom and democracy. Ramaphosa called on all eligible voters to fully participate in what he called an “important and historic milestone of our democratic calendar.
“Beyond the fulfilment of our constitutional obligation, these upcoming elections are also a celebration of our democratic journey and a determination of the future that we all desire. I call on all South Africans to exercise their democratic right to vote and for those who will be campaigning to do so peacefully, within the full observance of the law. We also urge unregistered voters to use the online registration platform to register”, said Ramaphosa.
Political parties have repeatedly called on Ramaphosa to announce the date to enable planning, and more intensification of elections campaigning.
The proclamation to declare the date will be issued in due course, and once it is done, the voters roll will be closed.
DA leader John Steenhuisen welcomed the “crucial announcement as a countdown to a historic moment where South Africa has the opportunity to rescue itself from 30 years of ANC failure, corruption, and state capture.”
“This election is a turning point for South Africa, and it comes at a time when our nation needs it the most in three decades. The DA is fully prepared for the challenge ahead, and we are all-systems-go for the May 29 date. The DA is ready to fight this election, so South African can win.”
He said the DA has meticulously prepared for this historic election, with support levels currently at their highest ever.
“Our army of election volunteers, activists, and supporters are poised to build upon months of hard work across every town and city in South Africa.
Our manifesto, launched and made public, is being received favourably across the country. It reflects the aspirations and hopes of the people, offering a clear alternative to the decades of ANC mismanagement,” he said.
RISE Mzansi Leader Songezo Zibi said his party joins South Africans in welcoming the announcement of 29 May 2024, as the date for the 7th General Election, which will see registered voters elect new leaders to serve on their behalf in Parliament and the nine Provincial Legislatures.
“This will mark the first election for RISE Mzansi, which has excited the electorate with its people-centred politics and vision of building a safe, prosperous, equal and united South Africa, where every citizen can live a happy and dignified life.”
“RISE Mzansi is fully geared to begin campaigning in earnest and will be on the ballot nationally and in all 9 provinces having obtained the necessary signatures to do so,” he said.
Zibi said the announcement also begins the countdown to a monumental election.
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