Zuma urges SA to vote

"We appeal to all South Africans to exercise their democratic right by taking the first step and register to vote," Zuma said in a statement.

"Our struggle for freedom secured the right for every South African to be active participants in our democratic system. We call on all South Africans to honour our history and continue to strengthen our democracy."

He encouraged first-time voters to register, calling them a special group because they were born in a democratic society.

"This group is special because it will vote when the country is celebrating 20 years of freedom and democracy," Zuma said.

The Independent Electoral Commission on Wednesday said less than half of eligible voters under the age of 30 were currently registered to vote.

All 22,263 voting stations around the country would be open from 8am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday for people to register, change or verify their registration details. Those already registered should check their details.

The president would confirm his details at his voting station at the Ntolwane Primary School in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday.

Zuma said the 2014 elections were significant because they coincided with the celebration of 20 years of democracy.

"As government we say there is cause to celebrate 20 years of freedom because South Africa is undoubtedly a better country than it was in 1994. The best way to celebrate is through exercising our democratic right to vote, and take transformation and change forward," he said.