JOHANNESBURG, Monday 24 August 2026 — The African National Congress has launched its 2026 local government election manifesto, setting out a six-point programme focused on municipal services, jobs, safety, finances, accountability and community participation ahead of the 4 November elections.
ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa launched the manifesto at Riverside Park in Diepsloot on Sunday, as the party seeks to retain or regain control of municipalities and metropolitan councils after a period of declining electoral support and coalition government in several major cities.
The first part of the programme focuses on basic services and infrastructure, including water, electricity, sanitation and roads. The ANC also pledged to reduce water and electricity losses, expand access to free basic services for qualifying households and improve digital connectivity around public facilities.
A second priority centres on investment and job creation at municipal level, with commitments to improve planning approval times, digitise municipal business services and encourage investment in sectors including manufacturing, agro-processing, tourism, agriculture and green industries.
The manifesto also places renewed emphasis on municipal finances and procurement. Ramaphosa said ANC-led municipalities would be expected to improve revenue collection, strengthen contract management and reduce wasteful spending.
The party further pledged to rebuild technical and engineering capacity within municipalities and reduce what Ramaphosa described as excessive reliance on consultants and contractors for functions that could be performed internally.
The ANC has also proposed public performance agreements and ethical conduct requirements for its local government representatives as part of an effort to strengthen accountability.
The manifesto launch comes as the party finalises mayoral candidates for municipalities across the country. The ANC had been expected to announce candidates at the weekend but instead released lists of finalists, with final selections expected later.
The local government elections will test whether the ANC can improve its position in key metros and municipalities amid continuing public concern over service delivery, infrastructure failures and municipal governance.
