ANC promises fit-for-purpose councillors to tackle service delivery woes in Metro municipalities

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