At least four ANC officials have visited multiple polling stations in the state to encourage people to register to vote in the upcoming general election.
Ramaphosa was in Soweto on Saturday. He will be in Mamelodi on Sunday, while his deputy Paul Mashatile will spend the weekend in Ekurhuleni metro.
Other ANC officials, including Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, were in Vaal, while First Deputy Secretary-General Nombula Mokonyane was in the West Rand.
Voter registration | Soweto residents raise issue with ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa:
The ANC almost lost Gauteng in 2019 after winning 50.9% of the vote. This time, the party will not take any risks. The state has deployed four executives across the state and pulled out all the stops for the final weekend of voter registration efforts.
The ANC says its presence in Gauteng this weekend is intentional as it is the country's economic hub, home to three metro lines and the seat of government, Union Buildings.
“Gauteng is home to 25% of the population, 15 million people, and a lot of voters are here in Gauteng and KZN. So we need to focus on Gauteng to get people to register. Yes, the campaign will of course focus on Gauteng, but not to the exclusion of other provinces. I will be visiting them, but Gauteng is a coveted jewel.”
After talking all day with potential voters, he managed to get his point across.
“What I can say to our young people is to take this opportunity to register and vote so they can get a job and say they once voted. I'm excited to vote for a party that will do everything for us, especially our young people, because we are students and we want opportunities. Without us, there will be no South Africa. Voting for the first time I'm excited and want to encourage other young people to vote for our future and encourage more young people to vote for the ANC.”
Prime Minister Ramafasa welcomed the participation of young people in the registration drive.
“I see that many young people are registering. This weekend is the registration weekend. Fortunately, the ANCYL president who was traveling with me was able to help the dozens of young people who came to register. We were able to provide support. I think the reluctance of young people to register has been dispelled, and young people are coming forward.”
On Sunday, the ANC president is scheduled to visit the Mamelodi polling station and Mamelodi hostel later in the day.
