By Charles Molele and Nkhensani Chauke
The ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) Lekgotla has adopted a series of resolutions aimed at strengthening local government and improving service delivery, citing the widespread challenges of inefficiency, corruption, and capacity constraints in many municipalities.
These includes appointing ANC councillor candidates who are “capable, experienced and collectively possess various forms of expertise in areas such as finance, procurement, community and economic development, service delivery and infrastructure”.
In the wake of what the party describes as a strategic setback—dropping below 50% in the 2024 general elections and losing its parliamentary majority for the first time—the Lekgotla reaffirmed the critical role of local government in the daily lives of South Africans ahead of the upcoming 2026 Local Government Elections.
Speaking following the ANC National Lekgotla, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said stronger leadership and effective governance at the local level will improve service delivery and contribute to the overall goal of creating a better South Africa for all.
Mbalula said the effectiveness of municipalities in delivering services such as water, sanitation, and housing is fundamental to improving the quality of life for all citizens.
“Our local government team will strengthen its work with municipalities to address service delivery backlogs and ensure that citizens in all areas, especially rural and underserved regions, receive the services they need,” said Mbalula.
“This will include improving the governance and management of municipalities, ensuring that officials are held accountable for service delivery failures, and making sure that resources are used efficiently.”
Mbalula said the ANC is committed to increasing the capacity of municipalities, through the District Development Model to deliver quality services and ensuring that municipalities have the necessary resources, systems, and personnel in place to function effectively.
He said the Lekgotla also resolved to invest in the political and administrative leadership at the local government level.
“By focusing on building the leadership capacity of local government officials, we will ensure that municipalities are better equipped to address the needs of their communities,” said Mbalula.
Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance, Dickson Masemola, said the ANC was serious about ensuring capable and experienced leadership at the municipal level, focusing on both formal and non-budget resource mobilisation to intensify local government efforts.
“We prioritise the deployment of highly capable and experienced cadres to this critical sphere of government. Local government is not only essential but central to service delivery and governance,” said Masemola.
“The lessons from the May 29, 2024, national elections are clear—when communities are dissatisfied with government performance, particularly at the municipal level, our electoral fortunes suffer. This is a direct consequence of weaknesses in the system, which the Lekgotla has carefully analyzed and addressed with a strong stance.”
Masemola said the ANC is actively engaging with officials and colleagues in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality about service delivery and deployment of capable leaders and has already held discussions focused on the embattled Nelson Mandela Bay Metro and other key metropolitan municipalities.
He also reflected on recent experiences such as the party’s intervention in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, stressing the ANC’s strategy of deploying senior and capable cadres to enhance governance and community satisfaction.
Leading up to crucial elections, the ANC aimed for 40% of the provincial vote in eThekwini but fell short.
The MK party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, swept to victory with over 45% of the provincial vote, largely from the eThekwini voting district.
“I fully agree with the concerns raised here [eThekwini]. The ANC firmly believes we have learned from our experience in the eThekwini Metro. We have also agreed with the President that in early March, we will be in Johannesburg to engage with the provincial government and the City of Johannesburg, followed by discussions with the City of Tshwane,” said Masemola.
“Our perspective remains clear: all metros, including secondary cities and key districts with significant economic potential, must be strengthened. These areas continue to be the driving forces of our economic development, and ensuring their stability and efficiency is paramount for the future. This new philosophical foundation will guide our transformation and repositioning of municipal governance across the country, including in key districts with significant economic potential. These areas, which play a critical role in economic development of our country, will be central to our future growth strategies and investment priorities.”
The Lekgotla also welcomed the process of review of the local architecture and the funding model.
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