Amid some disinterest, South Africans urged to take the necessary steps to register to vote

JOHANNESBURG - This weekend's voter registration drive in South Africa has proven to be more than just a civic duty; it has emerged as an unexpected economic windfall for small businesses across the nation.

Vendors have taken the opportunity of the Electoral Commission’s campaign, with some setting up stalls next to temporary registration centres in Coronationville west of Johannesburg.

It's quite literally business as usual for this area that is plagued by gang violence and persistent service delivery shortfalls.

A temporary registration station has been set up near the Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital but there is hardly any activity around the white tent.

However, Mandisa, who sells kota’s and hot chips, has taken advantage of the foot traffic.

She is not registered to vote and tells Eyewitness News that she has no interest in making use of the facility that is only a few meters away from her business.

Another resident who has come to get her braided will not be registering - she said the process was too long.

As the final moments of the voter registration drive tick away, South Africans are urged to overcome any hesitation and take the necessary steps to register.