President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged young South Africans to turn out in large numbers in the upcoming local government elections, using the phrase “clock it and go and vote” while campaigning for the African National Congress (ANC).
Ramaphosa made the remarks on Saturday, 17 October, during an ANC campaign visit to Cape Town, where he engaged in door-to-door campaigning in Athlone before addressing party supporters in Mfuleni.
“We are very pleased to have seen that a number of them have registered and we are hoping that they will now clock it. Clock it and go and vote,” Ramaphosa said.
He said the increase in young people registering to vote was encouraging and called on them to follow through by casting their ballots.
Ramaphosa, who is also the ANC president, was campaigning ahead of the local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026. The elections will determine the composition of municipal councils across the country.
Political parties have been stepping up their campaigns as they seek support from voters, with service delivery, municipal governance and accountability among the issues featuring in the election campaign.
Ramaphosa’s appeal comes as the ANC seeks to mobilise young voters and encourage greater participation in local government elections.
