South African President Jacob Zuma has deployed more than 2,000 soldiers to assist the police maintain law and order during Wednesday’s local government elections.

South Africa has, in recent months, been rocked by violent protests. The increase in protests and the growing frustration with the ruling ANC party have led many to question whether South Africa would maintain its tradition of peaceful elections.

However, President Zuma has assured that tight security measures were in place to ensure that no criminal or violent incidents mar Wednesday's elections.

About 28 million prospective voters are expected to cast their ballots.

“We are looking forward to a peaceful election day with no intimidation. There have been intimidation activities that took lives of people. We want people to be assured that they will vote without any interference,” said President Zuma.

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Meanwhile, former President Thabo Mbeki was scheduled to host the ruling ANC’s Gauteng mayoral candidates at his home on Tuesday.

The meeting comes after the former ANC leader met Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters members on Monday, who are participating in their first local election this year.

The three mayoral candidates: Mr Parks Tau, Ms Thoko Didiza and Mr Mzwandile Masina meet Mr Mbeki as the governing party winds up its election preparations.

The ANC confirmed that Mr Mbeki will meet City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality’s Tau, City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality candidate Didiza and Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality's Masina at his home in Johannesburg.

Mr Malema told journalists after the Monday meeting that discussions centred “on the future of Africa and our country”.

Special voting will continues countrywide after it got off to a smooth start on Monday.

Over 200 political parties and 61,000 independent candidates are participating in the municipal polls.