ANC pledges to tackle water crisis as key election priority ahead of 2026 local government polls

By Akani Nkuna

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula says tackling South Africa’s worsening water crisis will be one of the party’s central priorities ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections, with a renewed focus on upgrading infrastructure and ensuring a reliable water supply for communities affected by persistent disruptions.

“The biggest challenge we know this country must overcome is the challenge of water. One, in terms of infrastructure and at the same time, how do you address the question of water in relation to the expansion of communities in terms of urbanisation as a phenomenon? There is new settlement literally every day,” Mbalula said.

Speaking at a media briefing at Chief Albert Luthuli House in Johannesburg on Tuesday, Mbalula outlined the ANC’s position on current domestic and international developments and detailed the party’s programme of action ahead of the 4 November local government elections.

He said the ANC-led government under President