Roundup: Zuma warns against irresponsible, undemocratic protests during elections

Firm action will be taken against anyone who breaks the law or who protests outside the norms of responsible and democratic protests, President Jacob Zuma warned on Monday as the country is gearing up for the local government elections.

The South African government has put measures in place to ensure that all citizens vote freely and safely in the August 3 elections, Zuma said.

"Citizens are encouraged to report any incidents of intimidation to the law enforcement offices and the police will surely act swiftly to bring all perpetrators to book," Zuma said after all election campaigns came to an end.

The campaigns have been marred by violent protests in some parts of the country, coupled with killings of some candidates selected by different political parties to vie for municipal posts.

Security will remain highly visible, to ensure that no one is prevented from exercising their hard-won democratic right of voting or participating in any political process leading to the elections, Zuma said.

"I have authorised the employment of more than 2,000 members of the SANDF (South African National Defense Force) to assist the SAPS (South African Police Service) to maintain law and order in the run up to and during the elections, in all nine provinces. They will be on duty until the 10th of August," said Zuma.

The Department of Home Affairs has announced that it has extended working hours to enable citizens to collect their identity documents or to apply for emergency temporary IDs.

For the first time in history, this election will see 200 political parties and over 61, 000 candidates participating.

The parties are contesting 4,392 wards in all 213 municipalities.

The 2016 local government elections are heralded by many as being the most contested since 1994.

This reflects the maturity of the democracy that continues to reflect the will of the people, Zuma noted.

"Of importance is that 2016 also marks the 20th year of our Constitution, which makes the election another key celebration of our hard won freedom and democracy as South Africans," he said.

Zuma urged all 26 million registered voters in the country to speak, give direction and refresh the mandate of the 3rd sphere of government through voting on August 3.

All registered voters must celebrate democracy and freedom by turning out to vote on the day, he said. Endit