Ramaphosa declares November 1 voting day a public holiday

President Cyril Ramaphosa's made that declaration urging all South Africans who're eligible to vote to cast their ballots in the local government polls on Monday, 1 November.

Acting spokesperson to the President, Tyrone Seale says businesses and employers must ensure that workers are given time off to vote.

"The President calls on all registered voters to use the opportunity of the public holiday to exercise their democratic right and civic duty by voting in this election that empowers citizens to elect new leadership and influence service delivery where they live.

"Voters are reminded as well that they will only be able to cast their votes at the polling stations in wards where they are registered. In the event that voters may consider travel, they will not be able to transfer their votes to voting stations away from their designated wards.

"The President urges voters to ensure that they adhere to the Covid-19 health regulations as they exercise their vote."

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