The local government elections will take place before the end of May,and preparations for the poll were well underway, President Jacob Zuma said on Thursday.

"The country will hold the fourth local government elections before the end of May," he told Parliament in his third state of the nation address.

There had been lots of complaints over the past few months about local government, he said.

The frustrations in some areas resulted in protests, highlighting the problems that existed in this sphere.

"We have to make people's experience of local government a pleasant one, as it touches their homes and their lives directly, every day."

Some municipalities were functioning very well, and some councillors were also performing their duties as well as they should.

"We have instituted a turnaround strategy for local government, focusing on, among others, the strengthening of basic administrative systems, financial management and customer care," he said.

Zuma said last weekend's round of voter registration for the local government elections went well, and those who registered should be congratulated.

"We urge those without identity documents to apply without delay, so as not to miss the next registration period next month."

Following the launch of the National Population Registration Campaign in Libode, in the Eastern Cape last year, more than 700 000 first time identity documents were issued, indicating great enthusiasm by our people to have this crucial document, Zuma said.