Johannesburg - Government will intensify law enforcement agencies in areas where there could be possible political intolerance to ensure peaceful elections.
Speaking to reporters after a Security Cluster meeting on Tuesday in Alexandra, Safety and Security Minister Nathi Mthethwa said they have visited seven provinces to evaluate the security and safety measures before the national elections, to be held on 22 April.
"We ascertain that security measures are well organised and we are satisfied with the plans presented by these provinces which makes us confident that South Africa will have safe and peaceful elections."
He said although there were challenges in certain province, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, they are certain that there will be political tolerance and law enforcement will be beefed up to ensure the safety of voters.
National Deputy Commissioner for South African Police Services, Andrea Pruis said thousands of South African Police Services (SAPS) members have been deployed to northern KwaZulu-Natal and surrounding areas to ensure safety and security during the elections.
Commissioner Pruis told BuaNews that in ensuring peaceful elections in the area, members of South African Defence Force and the National Intervention Force will also be deployed in KwaZulu-Natal to assist SAPS members if a conflict situation arises.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Enver Surty, Deputy Minster of Correctional Services Loretta Jacobous as well as the Minister of Intelligence, Siyabonga Cwele.
The meeting has been arranged to assess the state of readiness of the security machinery for the forthcoming General Elections and encouraging political tolerance.
The ministers visited the Alexandra Township residents to encourage people to tolerate each other during the elections.
