The elections will take place on May 7.
President Jacob Zuma has proclaimed May 7 2014 as the date for the national elections, the presidency said on Friday.
The presidency in a statement said the electoral term will come to an end by April 22.
It said, " I have met with the Independent Electoral Commission [IEC] to discuss preparations, and also with the premiers. We deliberated on this very important right of our people to elect a government of their choice, for which thousands of South Africans laid down their lives.
"I am satisfied that the IEC preparations are at an advanced stage."
The statement continued: "These are historic elections as they take place during the 20th anniversary of our freedom from apartheid bondage."
President Jacob Zuma called on all South Africans to register to vote on February 8 and 9, which will be the last registration period before the election.