ANC launches 2026 Local Government Elections Manifesto in Diepsloot
JOHANNESBURG – The African National Congress (ANC) has launched its 2026 Local Government Elections Manifesto.
The launch took place at Riverside Park in Diepsloot, Johannesburg, on Sunday, 23 August 2026.
ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed thousands of party supporters at the rally. He also outlined the party’s plans ahead of the local government elections.
ANC focuses on service delivery
The manifesto places strong focus on improving service delivery across municipalities.
According to the ANC, communities need reliable access to basic services. These include water, electricity, waste collection and other municipal services.
Ramaphosa acknowledged that many communities remain unhappy with the quality of services they receive.
However, he said the ANC was committed to addressing these challenges. He also called for stronger and more effective municipalities.
Party promises action on municipal finances
The ANC has also made municipal financial management a key part of its manifesto.
The party says municipalities must manage public money responsibly. In addition, it wants stronger action against financial misconduct.
Ramaphosa said municipalities should not continue adopting budgets that do not have enough funding.
As a result, the ANC says it will push for greater accountability in municipalities. Officials found responsible for financial wrongdoing should also face consequences.
ANC wants to bring some services in-house
Another major proposal involves municipal services that are currently outsourced to private companies.
The ANC says some services should be brought back under direct municipal control. These include waste collection, cleaning, security, meter reading and water tankering.
According to the party, this could improve accountability and help municipalities manage essential services more effectively.
The ANC also believes that municipalities should have stronger internal capacity. Therefore, the party says it will focus on improving municipal administration and service delivery.
Ramaphosa acknowledges ANC shortcomings
During the rally, Ramaphosa also acknowledged that the ANC has faced criticism over its record in local government.
Many communities continue to raise concerns about poor service delivery, financial problems and weak municipal administration.
Nevertheless, Ramaphosa said the party was prepared to address these concerns and rebuild public confidence.
He said the ANC would work to ensure that municipalities become more effective and accountable.
ANC prepares for local government elections
The manifesto launch marks an important stage in the ANC’s campaign for the upcoming local government elections.
The party is now expected to take its campaign to communities across the country.
Meanwhile, other political parties are also preparing their own campaigns as they compete for support from voters.
The ANC says its manifesto is aimed at building municipalities that can deliver reliable services, manage public funds responsibly and respond to the needs of communities.
The effectiveness of these promises will ultimately depend on how they are implemented at municipal level after the elections.
