ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa has unveiled the party’s six-point local government manifesto ahead of the 4 November elections, promising tougher accountability for public representatives.

Speaking at the ANC’s manifesto launch at Riverside Park near Diepsloot in Johannesburg, Ramaphosa said newly elected representatives would have 100 days to show progress on pressing municipal problems.

Basic services top ANC priorities

The ANC’s first priority is improving reliable and affordable municipal services, including water, electricity, sanitation, roads and refuse removal.

Ramaphosa said municipalities would focus on repairing ageing infrastructure, fixing leaks, reducing sewage spills and improving wastewater treatment.

The party also plans to upgrade electricity distribution networks, improve fault response times and expand smart metering.

Ramaphosa said qualifying households would continue receiving free basic services, while municipalities would work to expand public internet access.

Jobs, safety and investment targeted

The second focus area is creating more jobs and attracting investment in cities, towns, townships and rural communities.

Municipalities would digitise business services and speed up processes including planning approvals, building plans, rezoning and licensing.

The ANC also pledged to improve local safety by maintaining public spaces, tackling illegal dumping and working with police, community groups and private security.

Ramaphosa said hijacked and unlawfully occupied buildings would also be targeted for recovery and safe reuse.

Underperforming leaders face removal

The ANC’s remaining priorities focus on municipal finances, ethical governance and stronger accountability to residents.

Ramaphosa said municipal representatives would be required to sign Public Performance Agreements and a Code of Ethical Conduct.

They would undergo regular assessments and report back to communities.

He warned that representatives who failed to fulfil their responsibilities would be removed, while the ANC’s step-aside rule would apply where members are charged with corruption or other serious offences.

Communities promised greater say

The sixth priority focuses on making municipalities more responsive to residents.

Ramaphosa said communities should have a meaningful role in municipal priorities, budgets and decisions, while traditional and Khoi-San leaders would also be included in local government engagements.

The ANC says its six-point plan will guide municipalities it governs over the next five years.