Pretoria - Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane has urged all people in the province who qualify to vote and are yet to register on the voters' roll to go out and register for the upcoming local government elections.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) will be registering all new voters or those who have moved residences on Saturday, the 5th and Sunday, the 6th of February. Voting stations will be opened from 8am to 5pm on both days.
Those who were previously registered are also encouraged to confirm or verify if their details are still on the roll and captured correctly.
Mokonyane's message is particularly aimed at the youth of Gauteng who turned 18 after the general elections in 2009.
She said it was important for the youth to be involved in democracy, as it is sorely missed by youths in other parts of the world.
"What is more exciting about this year's local elections is that they come in a year that we will also be commemorating the 35th anniversary of the Soweto uprisings," Mokonyane said.
"It is therefore fitting that our youth go out there and exercise one of the fundamental rights of our freedom. Those who gallantly fought and even died for our freedom should not be let down by any actions that will undermine the sacrifices they made.
"It is also important for all communities to make sure they exercise their rights by choosing a local government and councilors that would deliver efficiently. Our communities have been involved in often violent protests against what they call poor service delivery in the past few years. This is the right time and platform to make your voice heard," she added.
These local government elections will be the third in the history of the country, with the previous polls having taken place in 2000 and 2006.
