The African National Congress (ANC) has placed improving basic services, creating jobs, building safer communities and strengthening municipal accountability at the centre of its 2026 Local Government Elections manifesto.
ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa in a manifesto launch in Riverside in Diepsloot says the manifesto is intended to address the challenges facing municipalities while improving the quality of life of residents.
“This Manifesto is our programme to make local government work better for all South Africans.”
Ramaphosa says local government is central to how citizens experience democracy.
“Local government is where people experience democracy in their daily lives.”
He acknowledges that many municipalities continue to struggle with service delivery.
“Many municipalities do not work as they should.”
The ANC says residents expect government to provide reliable services and accountable leadership.
“Citizens expect government to work.”
Ramaphosa says the party’s focus for the next five years will be on making existing systems work more effectively.
“The task of the next five years is different. Now all of us, working together, have to make what we built work better – every day, in every ward, for every household.”
The manifesto promises improvements in basic services, local economies and community safety.
“Water, lights and services that work for all. More work and investment where people live. Safer streets and cleaner neighbourhoods.”
The ANC also commits to improving municipal governance and accountability.
“Municipalities that are run well and honestly. Municipalities that account to and listen to residents.”
Ramaphosa says the party’s commitments will be measured against specific targets.
“Each action in our manifesto has measurable targets.”
The ANC says councillors will also be expected to account directly to communities.
“And every one of our councillors will report regularly to residents on these actions. They will be available, responsive and accountable.”
The manifesto’s first 100 days include repairing potholes and streetlights, addressing water leaks and sewer spills, clearing illegal dumping, unblocking stormwater drains and cleaning public spaces.
ANC mayors would also be expected to hold community imbizos and publish 100-day programmes, while councillors would have to hold ward meetings within 30 days.
The party further promises that municipalities will publish a State of the Municipality Report within 60 days, setting out their financial, governance and service-delivery position.
On economic development, the ANC says municipalities will identify investment opportunities, unlock local enterprise and create conditions for job creation. Compliant suppliers would be paid within 30 days.
The manifesto is structured around six action areas, including quality basic services, job creation and local economic development, safer communities, sustainable municipal finances, capable and accountable local government, and community participation.
Ramaphosa says building functioning municipalities will require cooperation between government and communities.
“Building municipalities that work is a shared responsibility.”
He says the ANC wants communities, business, labour, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, youth, women and professionals to play a role in improving municipalities.
The manifesto also commits ANC councillors to signing public performance agreements and pledges of ethical conduct, while ANC-led municipalities will publish 100-Day Delivery Scorecards.
The ANC is seeking a mandate to govern municipalities for the 2026-2031 term, with the manifesto stating that residents should be able to hold the party accountable for its commitments and results.
